Park City youth programs gear up for academic and athletic success this Fall

Photo: Adam Winger

PARK CITY, Utah — As students across Park City prepare to return to school, local educational and sports programs are gearing up their efforts to support the community’s youth. Tutoring centers are ready to assist students with academic needs, while sports programs are preparing for the start of their seasons. These programs are focused on providing the necessary resources to help students transition back into their routines, both academically and athletically, as the new school year approaches.

PC Reads

PC READS, a Park City-based organization, is dedicated to improving literacy and addressing reading challenges for families and educators. Its Advocate Program, a key initiative, supports families concerned about their child’s reading abilities year-round. Certified Dyslexia Advocates, who have aided over 250 local families, offer services such as dyslexia screenings using the NeuroLearning Dyslexia Screener, guidance on school procedures, and assistance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 accommodation plans.

Community members interested in becoming advocates can apply through September 20th. PC READS is also hosting “Raising a Reader: Why It’s Important and How to Motivate Your Child to Read” on September 24th, featuring Dr. Margie Gillis of Literacy How, Inc. Registration opens in late August on the PC READS website.

Additionally, PC READS runs the MIND Youth Program, which supports K-12 students with learning differences in Park City. A self-advocacy event is planned for September 22nd, with applications for MIND Mentors (grades 8-12) due by September 1st. The organization also offers Professional Development Grants for educators to enhance literacy instruction, and provides free resource books to the community.

Youth Sports Alliance

The Youth Sports Alliance (YSA), established as a legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympics, promotes youth participation in winter sports across Summit and Wasatch Counties. Each year, YSA engages 3,500 children through afterschool programs, scholarships, and support for local winter sports clubs.

YSA’s programs, such as Get Out & Play for elementary students and ACTiV8 for older students, introduce youth to sports and healthy activities, encouraging screen-free time. During the 2023-24 school year, 2,516 students participated in these programs.

“The Youth Sports Alliance is essential because it provides children with opportunities to engage in physical activities, helping them to leave screens behind and experience new adventures,” said Emily S. Fisher, YSA Executive Director. “Our inclusive programs ensure that all kids, regardless of background, can enjoy the physical, emotional, and social benefits of an active lifestyle. We want all children in our community to feel like these mountains and trails belong to them.”

YSA supports local sports teams, including the Figure Skating Club of Park City, Park City Ski & Snowboard, and others. In 2023, YSA disbursed $313,939 to these teams through funds raised at the JANS Winter Welcome event, and $203,940 in need-based training funds were awarded to 99 athletes.

YSA’s programs are supported by the Gaddis YSA Endowment, which funds afterschool programs for low- and moderate-income families, and the Stein Eriksen YSA Opportunity Endowment, which provides Dare to Dream Scholarships for athletes in need. YSA also collaborates with local organizations to provide essential gear, safety equipment, and transportation to ensure that all students can participate.

Since its inception, YSA has helped develop numerous athletes. In the 2023-24 season, 55 athletes from YSA-affiliated programs were named to U.S. National or Junior National Teams, with 11 having first tried their sport through YSA’s Get Out & Play program.

“We are incredibly proud of those who started their sports in our afterschool programs and are now competing on the world stage, but our true focus remains on the 2,500 students who come through our programs each year. It’s about trying new things, learning new skills, and growing in ways that will benefit them for a lifetime,” said Fisher.

Mathnasium

Mathnasium, a tutoring center, which caters to students from Pre-K through 12th grade, offers a range of programs designed to help students catch up or get ahead in mathematics.

The center’s teaching approach, known as the Mathnasium Method™, combines various techniques including mental, verbal, visual, tactile, and written methods. This tailored approach is designed to meet the unique needs and learning styles of each student, with the goal of building a strong mathematical foundation and enhancing critical thinking skills.

Mathnasium specializes in math-only instruction and focuses on creating a fun and engaging learning environment, with the main goal of helping students build confidence in their math abilities without the stress or frustration often associated with the subject.

In addition to its traditional program, the center now offers private sessions and test preparation for standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT. As part of its back-to-school promotion, the center is offering a $199 discount, which waives the initial startup fee for new students.

For families interested in exploring the center’s offerings, the staff encourages them to visit the center and learn more about the programs available.

Game On! Sports 4 Girls – Northern Utah

Game On! Sports 4 Girls, a sports organization dedicated to empowering young girls through athletic programs, is expanding its reach to Northern Utah. Since launching its Park City branch in 2022, the organization has grown rapidly, extending its programs to Heber City and Kaysville.

The Northern Utah franchise established and owned by Elyssa Brock, a former Director of Business Development at Game On! Sports 4 Girls in Chicago has been offering year-round programming since January 2022. These programs include summer camps, after-school classes, birthday parties, and more catering to young girls across the region.

Game On! Sports 4 Girls – Northern Utah, with its mission to help girls feel strong and confident through the use of sports, is set to broaden its impact further by introducing various programs in 2024, including summer camps, after-school classes, birthday parties, and Girl Scout meetings. The organization looks forward to making a lasting impact on the lives of young girls in the Park City and Heber City communities.