A north Tulsa youth-enrichment program has been recognized for its efficiency in helping keep vulnerable children learning and healthy during the critical summer months.
The National Summer Learning Association has selected Tulsa YouthWorks as one of eight finalists in the organization’s annual Summer Learning Awards. Four winners will be announced later this month, with each receiving $10,000.
YouthWorks, a nonprofit seeking to empower more than 200 at-risk north Tulsa children who are failing or struggling in reading and math, would be the first Tulsa program to win the award in its approximately 15-year history.
Chris Beach, executive director of YouthWorks, said the $10,000 prize would be a huge help in expanding the program’s reach and effectiveness.
But even if YouthWorks doesn’t win, Beach said he’s still motivated by the finalist nod. He believes that recognition shows his team is following the right path in achieving its goal of making a lasting impact in the community.
“To us, it’s very encouraging,” he said. “They told us they like our model where children serve as leaders. They like the hands-on learning opportunities. We believe that’s the best way for a child to learn, to let them be leaders and learn what it’s like to lead and to take responsibility.”
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The Summer Learning Awards are generously sponsored by the New York Life Foundation and Lands’ End.