Project Transformation works to turn the page for kids
It’s time to turn the page for Project Transformation, a United Methodist literacy program for elementary students.
This moment straddles summer’s happy ending for 461 low-income kids and the opening chapter for PT’s 15th year.
"We are proud to announce that 98 percent of campers maintained or improved in their reading," said PT Director Sarah Nichols. "They and their teachers did not have to experience the decline that typically takes place during summer break."
Proficiency was assessed as the school year began in Oklahoma.
With students back in the classroom, PT staff and supporters have turned to planning, recruiting, and funding for 2016.
With your help, PT will continue working to change statistics such as these:
Low-income students lose more than two months in reading achievement during summer. (National Summer Learning Association)
"Two-thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of fourth grade will end up in jail or on welfare. Over 70 percent of America’s inmates cannot read above a fourth-grade level." (Write Express Corp. Literacy Statistics)
PT’s goal is to raise $35,000 in donations by Dec. 31 "to begin our 15th year of ministry," Nichols said.
The program is benefitting from increased public awareness about the faith-based program, she said.
During eight weeks in June and July 2015, children in first- through fifth-grades were welcomed by church hosts in seven cities for the Monday-Thursday day camps.
"Our staff and alumni love to share the successes of Project Transformation with Oklahoma United Methodist congregations, and give special thanks to our supporters," Nichols said.
Two ideas for fall fundraisers are tailored for youth and children’s groups.
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Set up a Giving Bookcase. Fill it with children’s books and, inside each one, tuck a colorful bookmark bearing a dollar amount. Invite people to take bookmarks that show what they wish to contribute.
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Create a Giving Tree, with varying dollar amounts printed on its leaves. This theme comes from the children’s book "The Giving Tree." Invite individuals, families, and small groups to select leaves and donate the amounts to PT.
Churches could select PT to receive a special holiday offering, too. Leaders are happy to provide informational materials and speak to your congregation.
For information, email ProjectTransformationOK@okumc.org