PHILADELPHIA – July 10, 2017 – Senator Art Haywood (4th District) today announced the opening of the inaugural “Read to Succeed” summer camps he is hosting in partnership with Senator Vince Hughes, as well as the start of his third annual “Read by Fourth” reading programs. Up to 350 students in Northwest Philadelphia will participate. Senator Haywood offers these programs as part of his Reading Revolution.

Six recreation centers (Belfield, Dorothy Emanuel, Finley, Lonnie Young, Pleasant and Simons), as well as Summer Fit Camp at New Covenant Church will provide “Read by Fourth” curriculum, which is offered in affiliation with the Free Library of Philadelphia, to campers for six weeks of instruction.

“Read to Succeed” half-day camps will run Monday through Thursday until 3 August and are located at Roosevelt Elementary and McCloskey Elementary schools. Enrollment for both programs was open to students entering first through third grades.

Studies show that children who cannot read on grade level by fourth grade will be at a disadvantage throughout their academic career and are more likely to drop out of high school. Additionally, all children are at risk of losing reading skills during the summer break.

“The ability to read, and read well, is critical not only to understanding words in a book,” said Senator Haywood. “It is the foundation for many important subject areas necessary for a successful, productive life. The Reading Revolution provides opportunities for parents to read aloud to their children, for children to maintain and build on their existing reading ability, and for those who are behind to get more hands-on help.

Last year, all participating students avoided the summer slide – and many even improved on their reading skills. As Frederick Douglass said, ‘Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.’ I look forward to another summer of reading success.”

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