Thirty Years of Impact: The Alliance Playground Program at Central Elementary STREAM Academy Keeps Allentown Kids Connected
Summer break can set students back, especially those without access to strong learning programs. Students from low-income households can lose two to three months of literacy skills each summer, and without support, that gap can grow to two to three grade levels by the end of fifth grade. That’s why United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley invests in learning opportunities that keep kids reading, growing and engaged during the summer.
This summer, United Way expanded that work by launching the Summer Volunteer Experience. Through the program, volunteers help expand access to nutritious meals, meaningful learning experiences and family resources. They serve meals, spark learning adventures and capture impact stories that show how summer can be healthier, more enriching and more connected for kids and families.
Thirty years ago, the Alliance Summer Recreation Program got its start out of Alliance Hall, home to the local health bureau. What began as a small offering has grown steadily ever since. As the program expanded, the organizers requested a home at a school site, with Central Elementary STREAM Academy in the Allentown School District becoming the program’s first United Way Community School partner. That long-running tradition now continues through Central’s summer program, where students have a steady place to learn, eat, play and build friendships while school is out.
Today, the program serves around 100 students a day all summer long, offering kids meals, arts and crafts, games and dance instruction, including traditional maypole and flag dances. Funds raised throughout the summer also support afternoon swim time for participants. Held in partnership with Allentown Parks and Recreation, it all builds toward Romper Day, officially known as Playground Celebration Night, in August, when kids from playgrounds across Allentown come together to perform the dances they’ve spent the summer learning.
During a dress rehearsal at the end of July, the energy said it all. As one summer associate, Maddy, put it: “The summer program is all around, giving them a safe social place to be kids.” That sense of connection is at the heart of the program, a chance for kids to unplug phones and screens and be present with each other.
Marvin, one of the participants, admitted he was nervous at first about making friends, but said he’s made plenty since joining. He shared that dancing has become his favorite part of the summer. Sixteen-year-old volunteer Jannixy said her favorite part is watching the kids grow throughout the program. It’s a reminder of what thirty years of Romper Day has always been about: giving Allentown’s kids a summer full of connection, confidence and fun.