The Education Opportunity Gap

According to the 2023 State of Michigan Education Report, Beyond the Pandemic, recent state assessments show many students are falling short of the benchmarks for their age groups academically, socially, and emotionally. Learning loss has disproportionately impacted students from low-income households, Black and Latinx students, English learners, and students with disabilities.

Conversations with local administrators and teachers highlighted the need to implement academic intervention programs to help reduce learning loss by offering a variety of in-school and out-of-school supportive programs. Research shows that out-of-school programs (whether after school or during the summer break) are most effective with small group sizes, staff that students recognize and trust, and at least 6 consecutive weeks of programming.

Through our proactive grant program, the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area (CFHZ) distributed $145,000 to three organizations offering targeted, out-of-school time academic interventions for students who have been most impacted by the education opportunity gap.

Zeeland Public Schools – ZPS Summer Learning
Amount awarded: $60,000 over two years.
Purpose: To supplement the work being done with at-risk third grade students during the summer and grow the program to serve an additional 30+ students who demonstrate academic and/or socio-emotional needs. Students will attend 2-hour sessions, 3 times per week, for a 7-week period over the summer at no cost to the students and their families. In keeping with proven evidence-based strategies that improve student learning, these sessions will include small group, individual tutoring and practice, and full group lessons.

Holland Public Schools – After School Endeavors Program
Amount awarded: $60,000 over two years.
Purpose: To implement the new After School Endeavors Program, which supports at-risk K-12 students in the areas of reading, writing, and math. The program also incorporates an English language development component as one of the identified at-risk learner populations are English language learners. Academic intervention strategies will be reserved for students who are failing classes and need help to better understand the material. Tutoring opportunities will be offered for students who are working on homework or seeking enrichment in areas where they need to be challenged to sustain academic gains.

“Holland is thrilled to receive this grant. Not only does it open doors for enriching after-school activities for our students, but it also strengthens our collaboration with community partners. We eagerly anticipate expanding opportunities for our students and fostering a brighter future for all,” said Melissa Remillard, Associate Superintendent of School Improvement.

Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland – Education Programs
Amount awarded: $25,000
Purpose: To make daily academic assistance available to all club members through Power Hour, Project Learn, and EPIC. Power Hour offers students homework help from BGCGH staff or volunteers; Project Learn focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; and EPIC supports high school students in connecting their current studies with post-secondary education plans.  The education programs that BGCGH offers have a track record of helping students improve their academic performance. For example, participants in Project Learn have experienced an overall grade point increase of 11%, with an increase in math grade of 13%, spelling at 22%, and reading at 5%.

Yadah V. Ramirez, Director of Community Impact at the Community Foundation, said, “Deploying resources to help close the education opportunity gap for local students is an investment in their academic success and the long-term success of our community. These grants underscore our vision of fostering equitable access to high-quality education, ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive.”

Learn more about our proactive grant program here.