A partnership between Red Deer College (RDC) and Red Deer Public Schools is making a big difference in 61 kids lives through the Reading College summer program. 

This month-long literacy based program is a fun way for students who need a little extra help to gain confidence and growth in their skills. 

These students are identified across the Red Deer Public School District (RDPSD) as having difficulties in their reading skills and comprehension and are invited to the free summer program to catch up with their schoolmates. 

Bruce Baruma, Director of Community Relations for RDPSD, said the program is extremely beneficial in bringing kids up to speed and keeping them on track for future success. 

“One of the reasons it’s so important is because one of the best predictors of high school completion is whether or not a student is at reading level at the end of grade three,” Baruma explained. 

“If we know at the end of grade two that these kids are struggling, then we can provide these interventions and supports and we can make a real difference for these kids.”

Elvy Goring, Coordinator of Reading College, identifies 61 students who are struggling with reading at the end of the end of grade two and connects them to the program. 

“In each classroom we have 20 or 21 students and they have a great student-teacher ratio that teachers don’t have the luxury of back in schools. With that, we are able to really hone in on exactly what each child needs, trying to fill in the little gaps,” she said. 

Goring added it’s a special pleasure to be able to see the growth among the students, especially when the organizers follow up during the next school year and the kids can share their own successes. 

Rod Holt, Interim Dean of the School of Continuing Education for RDC, said another important part of Reading College is the ability to help graduate students of the Bachelor of Education program transition into real-world experience. 

Holt explained that the program “provides a hands-on, work-integrated environment” for education students who are looking to transition into a role as a full-time teacher. 

“That partnership and experience makes this a very, very valuable experience for Red Deer college itself, as well.”

He said it’s also a great joy to see the energy and excitement brought into the campus from the young students who are brought in for the program. 

“They get to give themselves a jump-start into literacy and reading and to start to envision themselves as lifelong learners, which is really what we’re passionate about.”