Gwinnett Daily Post

NORCROSS - More than 300 students from Louise Radloff Middle and Summerour Middle will receive academic support through the Gwinnett Village Community Alliance's 2008 Summer School Program.

Last year, more than 100 students from Radloff Middle participated in the pilot program. This year, a $25,000 grant from the United Way in Gwinnett County helped the Gwinnett Village Community Alliance expand the program into Summerour Middle.

The eight-week program provides struggling students with daily instruction in math, science and journalism and the opportunity to participate in field trips and recreational opportunities, according to a news release.

"We are excited to continue to partner with our local school system and expand the mission to two schools this year with the grant from United Way," said Chuck Warbington, the executive director of the Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District. "This program is critical for us to continue the positive transformation of the southern part of Gwinnett County."

One priority of the Community Alliance is to improve the middle schools in and around the CID, Warbington said.

Mary Kay Murphy, the Gwinnett County school board member who represents Summerour Middle, said she thinks the program is an appropriate way to target the middle schools. Giving some students the extra support and the opportunity to extend their learning can make a tremendous difference, she said.

"I really do believe we'll see the results not only short term but long term," Murphy said.

Louise Radloff, the school board member who represents Radloff Middle and a member of the GVCA board, said the program will help students understand the need to stay in school and graduate, according to a news release.

"This program supports our efforts of securing our future through partnering for our kids - United Way, Gwinnett Village and the school district making a difference," Radloff said.

The GVCA is managing the summer program with the assistance of Gwinnett County Public Schools, the Boys and Girls Club and the Latin American Association. Students will also be exposed to programs from Girls Inc., 100 Black Men and Junior Achievement.

The Gwinnett Village Community Alliance works in tandem with and supports the CID, Warbington said. While the CID focuses on the infrastructure and security, the Community Alliance focuses on the people issues.