Sylvan Learning and Boys & Girls Clubs have partnered for nearly two decades to provide educational support to underserved students in Texas, making a significant impact on their academic success.
BALTIMORE, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- For nearly two decades, Sylvan Learning, the supplemental and enrichment education franchise, has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs across Texas to support students from underserved communities in achieving academic success.
What began as a local initiative in the Rio Grande Valley under the leadership of current Sylvan Learning Brand President Susan Valverde has expanded into a statewide effort, bridging critical educational gaps for students in reading and math. As Texas prepares for a new legislative session, this longstanding partnership continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of children.
Meeting Students Where They Are: The Power of Partnership
The Boys & Girls Club provides a safe space for students aged 6 to 18, focusing on academic support, social development and prevention programs. Sylvan Learning enhances this holistic approach by bringing its proven educational model directly to students at the clubs, ensuring that learning is accessible and convenient for families.
"A lot of families that come to the Boys & Girls Club are from single-parent households or face economic challenges. They're looking for safe, productive activities for their kids after school," said Valverde. "Together, we're delivering services to an underserved, sometimes at-risk community and helping kids thrive."
Chris Pittner, a long-time Sylvan franchisee, echoes this sentiment. "The kids are already at the Boys & Girls Club, which makes it easier for families who might otherwise struggle to transport their children to a Sylvan center," he said. "It's a win-win. We can reach students who wouldn't typically have access to our services, and they make meaningful academic gains in a short amount of time."
For Ian and Dick Rydholm, franchisees in El Paso, the partnership is deeply personal. Their family-run Sylvan centers have been part of the program since its inception.
"We're working with parents now who came to us as children," said Dick. "It's incredible to see the generational impact. We've grown from working with one club to six and have helped hundreds of kids over the years."
Ian emphasizes the importance of giving back. "Not all kids have the opportunity to come to Sylvan, so this partnership allows us to extend our reach," she said. "Education is powerful, and we're proud to be part of something that changes lives."
Addressing the Learning Gap Post-COVID
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing educational disparities, leaving many students years behind in reading and math. Diane Balderas, director of operations for the Boys & Girls Club of Walker County, sees the impact Sylvan has firsthand.
"Our fifth, sixth and seventh graders are often reading at a second-grade level. If they don't know how to read, how will they succeed in math or other subjects?" said Balderas. "Sylvan's program is a lifeline. After just 30 hours of instruction, we see real progress and for many kids, it's life-changing."
Balderas highlights how the partnership eases the burden on families. "It's free for the parents, but if they had to pay out of pocket, it would cost about $1,500 per child," she said. "The program levels the playing field for kids who need it most."
The success of this partnership lies in its collaborative approach. Sylvan provides certified teachers and a proven curriculum, while the Boys & Girls Club staff ensures that students are fed, organized and ready to learn. The program includes pre-testing to assess each student's needs and post-testing to measure progress.
"Our staff supports the Sylvan teachers to minimize disruptions and keep students focused," said Balderas. "Together, we create a nurturing environment where kids feel safe to learn and grow."
Looking to the Future
As the Texas legislature convenes, Sylvan Learning and Boys & Girls Clubs are advocating for continued support to expand their reach. Valverde sums up their vision: "We want to grow this program to serve more clubs and more students. Education is transformative, and we know this partnership works. Together, we can make an even greater impact."
The Sylvan-Boys & Girls Club partnership exemplifies what can happen when organizations unite for a common goal: creating opportunities and brighter futures for the next generation.
For more information on Sylvan Learning, visit: http://www.sylvanlearning.com
ABOUT SYLVAN LEARNING
With more than 45 years of experience and more than 710 points of presence, Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of personal learning for students in grades K-12. Sylvan is transforming how students learn, inspiring them to succeed in school and in life. Sylvan's proven tutoring approach blends amazing teachers with SylvanSync™ technology on the iPad® for an engaging learning experience. Sylvan also leads the way with Sylvan EDGE — STEM and accelerated courses and Sylvan Prep — college and test prep courses. Sylvan supports families through every stage of the academic journey. For more information, visit http://www.SylvanLearning.com.
ABOUT UNLEASHED BRANDS
Unleashed Brands currently includes portfolio brands Urban Air, Snapology, The Little Gym, XP League, Class 101, Premier Martial Arts and Sylvan Learning and was founded to curate and grow a portfolio of the most innovative and profitable brands that help kids learn, play and grow. Over the last 10 years, the team at Unleashed Brands has built a proven platform and know-how for scaling businesses focused on serving families. Its mission is to impact the lives of every kid by providing fun, engaging and inspiring experiences that help them become who they are destined to be. For more information, please visit http://www.unleashedbrands.com.
Media Contact
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SOURCE Sylvan Learning
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