Horizons Salisbury Expands to SU Location

SALISBURY, MD---For 14 years, Horizons Salisbury has been providing area students from low-income families with a summer learning experience.

Now, the program is expanding with a location at Salisbury University.

Twenty-three new students – groups of rising first and fourth graders – are using classrooms in SU’s Conway Hall for math, science and reading instruction. They also are eating in the facility’s dining area.

The goal is to prevent “summer slide” and gaps in learning that may occur between school years, said Yvonne Terry, Horizons Salisbury executive director.

The six-week program is running through Friday, August 5. The original site for first-ninth graders also operates concurrently at the Salisbury School. In addition to academic instruction, the students enjoy enrichment, cultural and service activities and, as a confidence builder, they take swimming lessons.

“Our goal is to gradually increase the number of students at the SU campus by adding a second- and fifth-grade consecutively each year going forward,” Terry said. “With more than 70 students currently on our waiting list, we know that the need exists. The students and their families are ready to follow the Horizons path to learning achievement and high school graduation — and SU has enabled us to help them.” 

Horizons Salisbury currently serves over 130 public school students from Wicomico County. After joining the program, students are expected to remain in it every year through their graduation. In addition to the summer session, they receive academic support and tutoring, if needed, during the school year. High school participants also benefit from coaching and other activities related to SAT preparation and college admissions.

“We want to create a path to success – through college and career readiness – for the community’s most vulnerable young people,” Terry added. 

For more information visit the Horizons Salisbury website at www.horizonssalisbury.org.