About MTR Camp

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MTR Camp was founded in 2013 to address systemic summer academic losses affecting students in MTR partner neighborhoods. Summer learning regression disproportionately affects students who live in low-income communities while middle-class peers make slight gains. When multiplied over many years, more than half of the achievement gap between students of different socioeconomic statuses is explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities, impacting high school graduation and college readiness rates. The program is designed to provide academic enrichment within a summer camp experience for students who attend MTR partner schools, while exposing fellows to education in Memphis and the residency program. Additionally, fellows live in community with one another, explore Memphis and receive training in effective instructional techniques. MTR Camp aims to (1) reduce summer learning regression, (2) expose college students to MTR’s mission of equal education, and (3) promote a love for learning.

Reduce Summer Learning Regression

During the summer of 2019, campers grew an average of 2.1 months in reading. Campers grew an average of 13% on internal math assessment. Strong reading fluency and mathematical competency are encouraging. Growth in these areas demonstrates that we are exceeding the baseline goal and that students did not regress during the summer in these two academic areas.

Expose College Students to MTR’s Mission of Equal Education

The summer staff experience provides the school year in microcosm: the opportunity to build individual relationships and classroom community from the first day of school/camp until the last, instruction, classroom leadership, professional development, coaching, and reflection on one’s own teaching practices. Providing intense classroom experience with training and support assists college students in deciding if teaching is a great career choice for them.

Promote a Love for Learning

MTR Camp truly values the process of learning! Therefore, we structure our camp day strategically to build a culture that celebrates learning. The cheers we chant collectively reinforce a value for learning. Classrooms are engaging and fun! Teachers are consistently reminding campers to appreciate the learning process. It’s not a school day but a camp day. Each site is unique, but one characteristic remains: WE LOVE TO LEARN!