Why Not Young Lives Summer Academy

It’s hard to overstate the transformative impact of the Why Not Young Lives Summer Academy. Outside the classroom, you may not know the challenges our scholars face hunger, neglect, or trauma. But once they step into our nurturing environment, all of that fades away. Our academy becomes a family, and together, we empower each child to thrive.

Each summer, our nation faces a reading deficit and a need for math remediation. When the school year ends in June, many children lose critical months of academic development. Without ongoing support, they fall behind, especially in the areas of reading and math.

The Why Not Young Lives Summer Academy is a five-week literacy, math, and cultural enrichment program designed to support children in grades 3–9 in communities where quality academic enrichment is either limited, too expensive, or non-existent. Our goal is to enhance children’s motivation to read and learn through engaging activities, including STEM, while fostering a love for education. Our students engage with a research-based, multicultural curriculum that empowers them to believe in their potential to make a difference both in their lives and in their communities.

This summer, we are excited to host a program at Orangeburg High School for Health Professions in Orangeburg, SC. This is a significant milestone for us, and we are thrilled to bring this opportunity to the community. The daily program activities will run from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, including classroom instruction, field trips, and structured recreation. Each child will receive two meals and two snacks daily. In addition, we will hold weekly parent empowerment sessions to strengthen our support for families.

We need your support! To give our scholars a summer they’ll never forget, we’re raising funds to turn this vision into reality. Donations are critical to helping us reach our funding goals and bring this year’s programs to life. Your contribution will provide approximately 100 youth and their families in Orangeburg County with a summer filled with literacy enrichment, STEM education, cultural exploration, social justice learning, and family empowerment opportunities.

Together, we can make a lasting impact. Thank you for considering a donation to the Why Not Young Lives Summer Academy. Your generosity will help us offer an enriching, empowering, and life-changing experience for our scholars.

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