Springfield Promise Neighborhood's (SPN) mission is to ensure the academic and social success of youth living in the under-resourced neighborhoods of the south side of Springfield, Ohio. SPN has three focus areas: increasing community participation in areas of safety, housing and youth development; creating sustainable extended learning opportunities for youth that serves their academic, social and enrichment needs; and developing renewable funding streams that support sustainable initiatives.
The Youth Development Project aligns with the early learning and literacy areas of United Way by supporting the academic and social development of low income children. SPN's program connects three best practice strategies. First by targeting literacy support for K-3 grade youth in the four most challenged schools of Springfield. Secondly, SPN conducts a summer "Bridge" experience for students needing Kindergarten readiness instruction. The third strategy is out-of-school time literacy and social development opportunities for K-3 grade youth already behind on local and state level literacy assessments. The program layers proven literacy, social/emotional, and enrichment activities led by trained staff and supported by community volunteers.
Early childhood success is a direct indicator of high school completion (Li-Grining, et. al, 2010). Multiple studies show the correlation between academic score and family income with literacy abilities being particularly affected. Only 48% of low income children are ready for kindergarten at age five, compared to 75% of children from families with moderate or high incomes (Isaacs, Brookings Institution, 2012). According to the Ohio Department of Education School Report Cards, of the schools in the Promise Zone (attendance zones of Clark Early Learning Center, Kenwood, Lincoln, Perrin Woods and Fulton Elementary Schools) 100% of the students are "economically disadvantaged". SPN's Youth Development Program is striving to ensure academic and social success in under-resourced Springfield students.
SPN served 338 students in the 2018-2019 school year. Preliminary data indicates that more than 70% of students served either got on track for reading performance or made more than one year's growth in reading. Promise Zone 3rd graders achieved a passing score on the 2018 state reading assessment, a 3% increase from the previous year.
United Way is proud to fund an agency that is making such an impact in the community of Clark County. If you are interested in learning more about, or getting involved with the Springfield Promise Neighborhood visit their
website
or call (937) 505-0330.
