The Andson Foundation, a local foundation in Las Vegas, NV, funds teacher salaries to run literacy- and STEM-based campuses at public libraries, YMCAs and Boys and Girls Clubs during the summer.  Vegas PBS works with the Foundation as a community partner on this initiative, training the teachers, providing the Ready To Learn supplies and books for use on campus, and performing a quality control role, with regular visits overseeing the curriculum.  And it’s a win win for all involved, especially the 10,000 students who take part in the programs, who not only avoid the summer slump, but build literacy and math skills as a result of their involvement. 

In a recent email to Andson Foundation donors and prospects, the Foundation highlighted the success and impact of its summer programs:

"Our programs were a tremendous success, and with your help, we positively impacted the lives of nearly 10,000 students. The students who participated in Andson Academics increased their reading words-per-minute by 55% and their math scores by 73%...Through a partnership with Vegas PBS, YMCA, and the Boys and Girls Clubs, we delivered our summer reading program and a brand new science module, Design Squad, to over 900 children. " (Read the full Andson Foundation email to its donors and prospects, which mentions Vegas PBS, here.)

Interestingly, the achievement stats the Foundation uses for the PBS KIDS Design Squad and Martha Speaks workshops serve as the Foundation’s “proof of performance,” and the Foundation is quick to credit Vegas PBS’ involvement and contributions to the overall impact of the Andson Academics summer programs.  This helps build awareness for Vegas PBS’ early education services among the Andson Foundation’s donor base and prospect file, as well as with the summer programs' agency partners.

Parents, partner board members, and partner agencies know that PBS programs and Vegas PBS outreach are the source of the curriculum, and the station believes this will translate into donations.

Watch a testimonial from the YMCA about the Andson summer programs, which recognizes Vegas PBS' contributions: