BURLINGTON, Vt. -- The Salvation Army's new "The Learning Zone," a licensed after-school program for Burlington children in elementary and middle school is designed to help students having serious education challenges and at risk of failing. The program, created in collaboration with the Division of Education & Human Studies at Champlain College, is focused on helping children from disadvantaged families "learn to learn" and ultimately succeed in school.

"Many of these children come from families that are struggling" said Major Karin Dickson, Corps Officer in Burlington. "We are concerned that these children are going to end up dropping out of school and perpetuating the cycle of needing assistance. Our goal is to help them become excited about school so that they graduate and perhaps go on to college or a vocational educational program."

The Salvation Army is hosting a benefit concert on Oct. 16 to benefit The Learning Zone. The world-renowned New York Staff Band, one of the premier brass bands of The Salvation Army will be perform Saturday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 pm at the North Avenue Alliance Church in Burlington. This is the first time in 30 years the 34-piece band will play in Burlington. It has played at Royal Albert Hall, the Sydney Opera House and Carnegie Hall, with artists such as Elton John and The New York Philharmonic. Tickets are $10 and are available through Flynntix.org or (802) 86-FLYNN or at the door.

The Division of Education & Human Studies at Champlain College assisted The Salvation Army in creating the curriculum and the job description for the director of the program. Additionally, students from Champlain work with director Emily Reynolds to provide one-on-one tutorial assistance with the children, Monday to Friday from 3-5p.m. The Learning Zone can provide assistance to 25 children, grades 1-6.

"Champlain students act as mentors helping kids get excited about learning and take pride in their work," says Reynolds, "these relationships help social and behavioral development among the kids so that they can become independent learners."

According to Reynolds, Champlain education students only need to fulfill a two hour volunteer requirement per week, but many end up coming to the Learning Zone every day. Two students majoring in education, Katie Scanlon 11' and Allison Tinson 11' played a crucial role in the start up of the Learning Zone by creating a library for the program.

"This helps students get one on one help that can't always be provided at school," Scanlon explains, "The kids come into the Learning Zone library and are actually excited to pick a book to read with their Champlain reading buddy."

"We provide this program at no cost to the families or schools using grants" said Chuck Bongiorno, development director for the Salvation Army. "Until the state funds become available, we are seeking assistance from a variety of sources."

Anyone interested in finding out more about The Learning Zone should contact Director Emily Reynolds at (802) 864-6991.

ABOUT CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE
Since 1878, Champlain College has provided career-focused education to students from its hilltop campus in Burlington, VT. In 1993, the College pioneered online education by offering its first online courses and has quickly grown to offer hundreds of online courses as well as more than 25 degree and certificate programs. Champlain's distinctive educational approach embodies the notion that true learning only occurs when information and experience come together to create knowledge. Champlain was named a "Top-Up-and-Coming School" by U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Colleges 2010 and ranked third nationwide among colleges and universities offering online programs. To learn more about Champlain College, www.champlain.edu

ABOUT THE SALVATION ARMY

The Salvation Army continues to be a community partner working with other agencies to provide services to those in need throughout Chittenden County, working to avoid duplication of services while making certain that those who need help receive it. The Salvation Army provides help to all those in need, with no discrimination toward any group or religious affiliation and with the help of the community, has been serving Vermonters since 1884.

For additional information:
Contact: Chuck Bongiorno , The Salvation Army
64 Main Street, Burlington
864-6991 ext 105/ chuck.bongiorno@use.salvationarmy.org

FOR CALENDAR LISTING

BENEFIT CONCERT, Saturday, Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m., North Avenue Alliance Church, Burlington. The Salvation Army is hosting the world-renowned New York Staff Band, one of the premier brass bands of The Salvation Army in a concert to benefit a new program "The Learning Zone." This is the first time in 30 years the 34-piece band will play in Burlington. It has played at Royal Albert Hall, the Sydney Opera House and Carnegie Hall, with artists such as Elton John and The New York Philharmonic. Tickets are $10 and are available through Flynntix.org or (802) 86-FLYNN or at the door. For information: Contact: Chuck Bongiorno, The Salvation Army, 864-6991 ext 105/ chuck.bongiorno@use.salvationarmy.org