ABOUT
The Summit Learning Academy Foundation was established in November 2006 in response to a “call to action” from the Summit Public School system to address the alarming statistics documented in the Minority Achievement Report (2005). Most notably, the report revealed that within the African-American subgroup, 50% of 4th graders were Partially-Proficient, and 52.4% of the 8th graders were also Partially-Proficient. Language arts scores was said to reflect a similar trend.
Dismayed by these results, Michelle Stevenson met with local families, mapped out a plan and subsequently started the Summit Learning Academy Foundation. The foundation provided low-cost tutoring and support services specifically to the cohort of students that fell short of Proficient status in math, reading and language arts. Initially, the program was held in the Stevenson’s private residence until it grew too large for the space. In addition to personal contributions, she utilized the help of HUD grants, local churches and families in the Glenwood and Weaver Street Apartment complexes. As the program grew, Ms. Stevenson moved the outfit into the learning center at Christ Church and purchased a school bus to facilitate transportation from the five elementary schools in Summit.
The Summit Learning Academy Foundation went on to provide services for over 50 students, five days per week in three locations within the community. At the time of our conception, the National Assessment of Education Progress Report (2005) estimated that it would take thirteen years to show a minimum of +.05 Standard Deviation (SD) in improvements for said students. However, despite the many challenges encountered, The Summit Learning Academy documented +.05 SD in just three years. This data was reflected in the Minority Achievement Report (2009).
Currently, programs are available for Kindergarten through grade 12. Thank you to all of the students, families and tutors that contributed to the success of the program. We look forward to the establishment of additional programs across the country as part of the expansion of The Summit Learning Academy LLC.
“To give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, to teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.”
Proverb
Michelle Stevenson
Founder and Executive Director
Michelle is the founder of The Summit Learning Academy, LLC and is responsible for corporate strategy and execution of company operations. Her extensive experience in creating, developing and managing new businesses expands across more than 25 years of service. Ms. Stevenson has worked as a marketing specialist and program director for some of the country's most prestigious companies, institutions and programs including the Polaroid Corporation, Reebok International, the Harvard Business School's Shad Hall, Chelsea Piers, NYC and the Kent Place School.