The success of a program that launched in 2011 is aiming for similar results this year.
Lafayette Urban Ministry’s Fifth Quarter initiative is intended to help low income students continue their education during the summer months.
LUM executive director Joe Micon says the goal is avoid any education drop off during that time.
"So many low income children fall back academically during the summer months rather than moving forward" he said. "Especially low income kids don't have library visits, the summer camps, the computer camps, the family vacations that children of more affluent families have."
Micon adds that last year’s scores showed participants were more prepared for the upcoming school year because of what they learned in the program.
This year, 60 students are enrolled, compared to 40 in the inaugural year.
One change is that the program is putting a greater emphasis on a balance between in-class work and more hands-on learning this year through field trips.
This year’s group will take their final exams next month.