As students, parents and schools continue to see the effects of learning loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a three-year Northern Kentucky pilot program could be the key to reversing that trend locally.
At least, that’s according to Nancy Grayson, president and CEO of Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky, which established the NKY Student Success Fund.
“The NKY Student Success Fund addresses a significant and well-documented issue
stemming from the pandemic,” Grayson said. “The impact COVID has had on students is substantial – our goal is to reverse this learning loss and drive improved academic performance.”
The pilot program aims to increase the annual academic performance of elementary students participating in the initiative in kindergarten through fifth grade.
“The goal is to raise $2.7 million to support Northern Kentucky youth across Covington Independent Schools and two additional Northern Kentucky school districts, and ultimately expand into more local districts towards the end of the three-year pilot,” according to a release from Horizon Community Funds. “The districts are selected based on highest academic need, greatest potential impact regarding students served, federal grant funding opportunity, and district commitment to the partnership. A third-party evaluation will be conducted to assess outcomes as well as the fidelity of the expansion.”
In partnership with educational nonprofit Covington Partners, the Student Success Fund will address learning loss in students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
“Covington Partners is excited to share our theory of change and highly effective systems with partnering school districts to improve outcomes for all students,” said Covington Partners Executive Director Stacie Strotman.