While other kids are likely at a local swimming pool on this hot June day, rising fifth-grade UT Elementary School students are chatting excitedly about a 300-page book they have finished reading called The One and Only Ivan. In the adjoining room, fourth-graders proudly display virtual zoo habitats they are creating using Minecraft–but only after they have completed thoroughly researching the life and needs of their chosen animal and calculating the area of the space their animal will need.  The third grade is trying to figure out how to make a parachute more efficient, while the second-graders are proudly displaying their insect costumes for a performance the next day.

Summer school is currently underway for 66 students in Pre-K through 5^th grade at UT Elementary. The summer school program, made possible through an out-of-school-time learning grant from the Cain Foundation, is designed to promote project-based learning, enabling students to sharpen critical reading, math and writing skills through a hands-on STEaM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) curriculum.

Thank you to the Cain Foundation for making this year’s summer program possible!

About the Cain Foundation

The Cain Foundation (formally incorporated as The Effie and Wofford Cain Foundation) is a private family foundation based in Austin, TX that was established in 1952 to support scientific, medical and educational institutions.