We Are Making A Difference

We are two months into our second year and thrilled with our start. We have 20 students enrolled in two classes and already have applications for next year.

Up until just a few years ago, I did not realize how very important what we are doing really is. “Children who don’t get formal schooling until kindergarten start off a year behind in math and verbal skills and they never catch up” according to the authors of Cradle to Kindergarten: A New Plan to Combat Inequality. They base this claim on the growing body of research that has been following children since the 1940s.

John Wetzel, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections goes so far as to say, “We can invest in early education now, or start building more prisons.”

Yet three-quarters of our children, the children of Harrisburg, don’t have access to a quality kindergarten-readiness program. Many who do, cannot afford it. The average cost ranges from $4,460 to $13,158 per year ($372 to $1,100 monthly), according to the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA).

Our cost to educate one child at New City School is just over $3000/year. Your support has enabled children like Jamari to attend New City School and to join the other 19 students being prepared to enter Kindergarten ready and able to learn.

We cannot do this alone. We need your investment to continue to serve these students and our community. If you have not yet donated please do so. Jamari is counting on you.