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Baltimore Launches Program To Promote Learning, Prevent Summer Slide

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- They call it the Summer Slide-- a learning slump when school's out for summer break.

Gigi Barnett reports how a program in Baltimore could help students stay sharp.

The neighborhood maps are all drawn, and volunteers are ready to go.

The city has a message about its Super Summer Program for parents and students. This weekend the word is getting out, door-to-door and face-to-face.

The Super Summer Program offers free breakfast, lunch and dinner to children. Students can also take part in reading programs and learning academies. Most of it is free, thanks to a partnership between the city, private companies and several government agencies.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake says kids who are active over the summer continue successfully learning in the fall.

"When you are not engaged in summer programming, you're not your best," Rawlings-Blake said. "We want to make sure that our kids have success throughout their lives."

The recreation part of the program keeps kids off the streets and out of harm's way. This is one of the primary reasons that parents like Garry Aime are volunteering to spread the word.

"Food and meals and recreation is very important in the summer time," Aime said. "We want to make sure we keep that tradition going."

Saturday is the first day of canvassing, but it will not be the last.  Volunteers will be out enforcing the program in city communities through July.

To find out more about the summer program, click here.

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