CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Project Transformation (PT) expanded to Montgomery County last summer to bring its unique model to serve children in the Clarksville community.
Every Monday through Thursday in June and July, Project Transformation operates a free day camp at New Providence United Methodist Church. The site serves 80 elementary-age children and is staffed by eight college-age interns who live at Austin Peay State University.
In its inaugural summer, the program said 99 percent of children maintained or increased their reading level, combating the academic “summer slide” that threatens low-income students; 82 percent of children said that coming to PT helped them believe that they can learn to be a good reader.
Additionally, all of the college interns who participated said they will continue to serve their community after their summer term of service.
More than 250 community volunteers engaged with Project Transformation by reading one-on-one with children, providing dinner for college interns, serving community meals, and more.
“[Project Transformation] is not just another new program or initiative but as the name indicates, it is an opportunity to transform the lives of both the children served, and the college students who will be immersed in the experience,” State Representative Joe Pitts said. “We have to invest our most precious resource, our time, in children to stem the tide of drugs, gangs, and give hope to a generation.”
To give to Project Transformation, visit www.pttennessee.org/donate. To learn more about Project Transformation, visit www.pttennessee.org or call 615-810-9620.