MIDDLETOWN, Conn. /New York Netwire/ — The Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program “Summer Gaming Challenge” has been awarded the prestigious National Summer Learning Association’s 2013 New York Life Excellence in Summer Learning Award. Non-profit Catalysts Powering Educational Performance (CPEP, Inc.) is honored to have its STEM program recognized for the award.
The annual award recognizes summer programs that demonstrate excellence in accelerating academic achievement during the summer months. CPEP is one of three organizations selected to receive the award from 90 applicants.
CPEP’s Summer Gaming Challenge is a 5-week, 150-hour program that blends cutting-edge educational gaming software, face-to-face teacher led instruction, and applied-learning project challenges. Since 2010, the Summer Gaming Challenge has grown from one site with 60 students to six sites with more than 385 students from across Connecticut many of whom are underserved in their traditional learning environments.
According to CPEP Board Chairman Jerry Chanterelle, the Summer Gaming Challenge has produced dramatic results and is helping to close the achievement gap in Connecticut. “In the past two years, students have improved their math proficiency by an average of 40 percent as compared to their peers who experience a learning loss as a result of the summer break,” said Chanterelle. “The program is successful and has helped students achieve academic success while learning critical 21st century skills like teamwork, collaboration and critical thinking.”
Research has established that most children lose up to two months of math skills during summer breaks. The Summer Gaming Challenge reverses the trend and helps students make significant progress during the summer.
“Five years ago, we embarked upon an adventure to design and implement an innovative program that significantly accelerates math skill development during the critical summer months,” said Bruce A. Dixon, CEO of Catalysts Powering Educational Performance.
Dixon added, “We know that our students must build strong mathematics foundations in order to earnestly pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It gives us great pride to know that the hard work of our teachers, staff and investors is providing transformational learning opportunities for our students in Connecticut and that our efforts and successes are recognized by the NSLA.”
“I’m honored to be a part of an organization that is preparing the next generation of STEM entrepreneurs and leaders,” added Chanterelle.
About Catalysts Powering Educational Performance:
Through innovative out-of-school programs, CPEP serves as a catalyst to significantly improve students’ knowledge, attitude and behaviors associated with the pursuit of careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. CPEP serves more than 1,700 students annually in 13 school districts throughout Connecticut. Learn more at: http://cpep.org/ .
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