The headlines are filled with alarming news about the lingering effects of COVID-19 on students in Michigan and nationwide. Across our state, high school graduation rates are down, attendance continues to fall, and reading and math scores are at historic lows.
At DBG, kids of all ages and grades are thriving thanks to the continued hard work of our students and staff. But we’re fighting a huge battle as we face pandemic-related learning loss, and we need your help. Keep reading to learn how your donation can be doubled this holiday season to help expand our one-on-one literacy intervention program.
According to a recent Chalkbeat article, “[Michigan’s] statewide four-year graduation rate was 80.4% for the Class of 2021, a decrease of 1.6 percentage points from the previous year. The numbers come as a timely reminder of the ongoing academic and mental health challenges COVID has placed on students, and the costs of educational turmoil. Without a high school diploma, students face an uphill struggle in the job market.”
The Detroit Free Press reported, “The statewide school attendance rate for the 2021-22 school year fell to 88%, down 4.1 percentage points from the previous school year.”
And Bridge Michigan shared the upsetting news that Michigan fourth-grade students recorded their lowest reading scores in 30 years, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often called the nation’s report card. We cannot let this continue, and DBG provides critical out-of-school time programming that works.
Since 2019, DBG has partnered with Center for Success, pairing students with mentors to learn the fundamentals of reading. To date, DBG students participating in the program have gained an average of 5.5 reading levels per year. That’s close to two years worth of progress in just one year. Experts say a child’s ability to read at grade level by third grade is the single greatest predictor of future success. That’s because third grade is when they transition from learning to read to reading to learn.
You can help us expand our one-on-one literacy intervention program now. Through the end of the year, we’re doubling up to $50,000 in donations thanks to generous support from Schostak Brothers & Company. Click the big red button below to donate now, and any amount will be instantly doubled.
For 15 years, DBG has been leading the way. Our innovative and impactful student-led youth mentorship program has seen great success. Our students have had a 100% high school graduation rate since we opened our doors. As we look ahead to the next 15 years, we will continue to revolutionize out-of-school time programming, expand our campus in Detroit, and serve students across our region and beyond. We’ll offer more opportunities to our students than ever before.
We cannot do this without YOU, our DBG family, supporters, and friends. As you think about holiday giving this year, please consider helping us meet our match, expand our literacy intervention program now, and double the number of students we serve from 200 to 400 in the coming years.
All of us at DBG are truly grateful. Watch the video below to learn more.