By Jamie Strickland
According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, a child who struggles with reading in first grade has only about a 10 percent chance of closing the gap to become proficient by fourth grade. Waiting until later in a child’s education makes that gap even harder to overcome.
In an effort to change those odds for some local kids, Elizabeth United Methodist Church, just across the street from the new Swift Creek Elementary School, is partnering with the school this July to host a science- and research-based summer reading program for rising second graders. “It’s a calling to us as a community to help these students at a time where we can get involved and impact the trajectory of their lives,” said Pastor Ramon Wycoff, who is leading the effort.
The program will serve 24 students who have been identified by Swift Creek’s team as those most likely to benefit from additional support. Students will be provided with breakfast and lunch each day, and the church will even assist with transportation and childcare for younger siblings, if needed.
“We’re crossing every obstacle off the list as much as we can for every student to be able to attend,” Wycoff said.
The program will run from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. during the month of July and family engagement nights will include dinner as well as resources and guidance for parents to help their children continue improving at home.
Wycoff emphasized that the program is not religious in any way, but that the church is simply providing the space, volunteers and organizational resources to make it possible.
“We have a sitting and ready asset with space that is underutilized during the summer time,” he said.
The program is part of the Summer Literacy Initiative, originally funded by the Duke Endowment and now run through the NC Rural Center, which allows a broad network of faith organizations to participate. The program will also hire local teachers, providing employment to help supplement their summer income.
Wycoff hopes the program will inspire other churches across Johnston County to start similar initiatives.
“I would love it if every school had a church that could provide space, resources and volunteers so we can come together and support the teachers who are already working so hard,” Wycoff said. “We hope to start a movement in Johnston County for all the kids who need it.”
By leveraging community partnerships and focusing on early reading intervention, this program aims to give students a crucial boost while supporting families and teachers alike, helping young learners step confidently toward academic success.
Additional volunteers and donations of snacks, meals and other resources are still needed to make the program a success. If you or your organization would like to help, reach out to Wycoff at rwycoff@nccumc.org.
