FROM STAFF REPORTS

INDIAN SPRINGS – Indian Springs School is hosting students from the Black Belt region of Alabama this week during the Higher Achievement Summer School put on by Teach For America.

Fifteen ninth grade students from Marengo and Sumter counties will stay at Indian Springs during the program from June 13-July 1.

The summer school is designed to enrich the students’ education during the summer months between school years, said HASS teacher and Teach For America corps member Justin Younker.

“Students living in the Black Belt experience an educational achievement gap during the traditional academic year as well as summer vacation, and in the summer months, students have few opportunities to build upon their education,” he said. “As a result, HASS strives to fill this void. By the end of the intensive four-week experience, the students will make substantial academic gains coupled with the development of life skills necessary to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving society.”

While at Indian Springs, the students will study college-prep curriculum, tour area colleges and universities and visit local attractions.

Indian Springs School Director Gareth Vaughn said the school is honored to host the summer school program this year.

“We at ISS are honored to host the HASS program,” Vaughan said. “This program shares Springs’ mission of providing a challenging, enriching educational experience for young people, and we are pleased to partner with them.”