Statement from CAS President and CEO, Richard Buery:

“Years of research have shown that lower-income students can’t compete with their better-off peers when they don’t have access to things like enriching summer camps and reading at home. Providing innovative approaches to literacy, like those offered by the Children’s Aid Society’s Read 4 Life initiative, is key to measuring and tracking reading ability as well as imparting an appreciation for reading during the summer. Community schools, like those championed by Jeff Smirk in his New York Times OP-ED today, are a great way to level the playing field. Offering longer hours and summer programs that keep kids learning and excited by combining physical activities, community schools can ensure that summer learning loss is not an added burden on the lives of New York’s neediest children.”

About The Children’s Aid Society
The Children’s Aid Society is an independent, not-for-profit organization established to serve the children of New York City. Our mission is to help children in poverty to succeed and thrive. We do this by providing comprehensive supports to children and their families in targeted high-needs New York City neighborhoods. Founded in 1853, it is one of the nation’s largest and most innovative non-sectarian agencies, serving New York’s neediest children. Services are provided in community schools, neighborhood centers, health clinics and camps. For additional information, please call Anthony Ramos at (212) 949-4938/ (347) 439-7727, email anthonyr@childrensaidsociety.org or visit www.childrensaidsociety.org.