The divide between kids who have support to succeed in virtual learning and kids who simply do not is widening by the day.  

Connor and Caden came to the Y by way of their school nurse who had noticed they were struggling in school during the pandemic. The brothers showed up at school every day even though school is operating virtually, but the boys needed help and it just could not happen at home.  

When school became virtual, Connor and Caden’s mom was facing an impossible decision. Does she keep working to make the income they desperately need or does she leave her job to care for the boys?  

One in five working-age adults is unemployed because Covid-19 upended their child care arrangements, according to new research from the Census Bureau and the Federal Reserve. And of those not working, women are nearly three times more likely than men to remain home for the kids. 

Connor and Caden deserved support to thrive in school and they got it. Through the Y LEAP Academy, our in-person and socially distanced answer to pandemic pod learning are open to all kids, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. Thanks to support from generous donors, Connor and Caden received an almost full scholarship for Y LEAP Academy which offers academic support, play, connection, and breakfast and lunch. 

For every family we identify and support, we know there are more kids that cannot logon each day in a safe environment and feel confident in completing their school work and they are falling further and further behind their peers each day. 

Y LEAP Academy helps to bridge the gap between students, and the Y’s Social Impact Center is here for mental health, social health, hunger programs and much more.  

With Connor and Caden cared for during the day, their schoolwork being is getting completed and receiving meals, social interaction, and a safe place to be, mom can begin looking for work again. 

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