EnergySolutions : Eversource Contribution Supports Summer Literacy Program

MANCHESTER, N.H. (May 22, 2017)- Children are improving their literacy skills by leaps and bounds through the YMCA of Greater Nashua's Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program. First-graders who completed the program last year gained more than a full year of reading progress during the six-week program, and second-graders gained two months of reading progress. And with the support of community partners, like Eversource, the YMCA is planning to expand the program to a second location in order to serve even more students.

"The program has been really beneficial for the kids and we've had a lot of success," said Rebecca Leary, a sixth grade English teacher in Hudson, who helped develop the program. "Our main focus is getting these kids to be reading at grade level, but we're also helping to address other needs, such as access to personal care items and nutritious meals."

Studies show that students who are still reading below grade level in third grade are significantly more likely to drop out of school and experience other negative outcomes. The Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program is helping students to build confidence and proficiency before they reach this vulnerable time. In addition to focusing on activities that boost students' literacy skills, the program includes outdoor games and activities, as well as education on good nutrition and healthy habits.

"The YMCA is a valuable resource for many of our customers and shows great leadership in identifying ways to improve the health of our communities," said Elizabeth LaRocca, New Hampshire Community Relations Specialist for Eversource. "We're proud to support the YMCA's efforts to unlock students' potential through this important enrichment opportunity."

This year's Learning Loss Prevention Program will serve a total of 64 low-income first- and second-graders who have not met proficiency in reading at Ledge Street School, and the program's new site, Dr. Norman Crisp Elementary School. In addition to classroom learning, students enjoy educational field trips to the Boston Children's Museum, the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, and the SEE Science Center.

"We go on several fun field trips, but we also visit the library to teach students how to access materials and to surround them with books," Leary said. "I would say that 90 percent of our students would tell you that the library is their favorite trip."

Eversource (NYSE: ES) is New Hampshire's largest electric utility, serving more than 500,000 homes and businesses in 211 cities and towns and is proud to be recognized as the top contributor to United Way in New Hampshire. Recognized as the top U.S. utility for its energy efficiency programs by the sustainability advocacy organization Ceres, Eversource harnesses the commitment of its approximately 8,000 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and superior customer service. For more information, please visit our website (www.eversource.com) and follow us on Twitter (@eversourceNH) and Facebook (facebook.com/EversourceNH).

CONTACT:
Martin Murray
603-634-2228
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Kaitlyn Woods
603-634-2418
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