Simotas, Nolan Visit “Practice Makes Perfect”

Innovative summer program benefits LIC students and prevents learning loss

August 13, 2013

Queens, N.Y. – On Monday, Assemblymembers Aravella Simotas and Catherine Nolan visited the Practice Makes Perfect program at the Academy of American Studies high school in Long Island City. This intensive seven-week academic summer program aims to narrow the achievement gap within underprivileged communities.

“Closing the achievement gap is a critical issue that needs to be addressed in our community,” Simotas said. “It is extremely important to provide young people from all backgrounds with the tools they need to set and achieve their academic goals. The relationships built through Practice Makes Perfect help instill a lifelong love of learning and empower these students to reach their full potential.”

Practice Makes Perfect pairs under-achieving fourth graders with successful ninth grade students from their community. The high school students serve as role models to the fourth graders and provide one-on-one instruction to help them gain confidence before the school year begins. In turn, the ninth grade students receive preparation for college and learn from the college interns who supervise the program.

Practice Makes Perfect CEO Karim Abouelnaga was also on hand for the visit. “With the increased importance put on creating engaging summer learning opportunities for disadvantaged youth, it was great to have Assemblymembers Simotas and Nolan support our work for a second consecutive year,” Abouelnaga said. “The kids enjoy seeing and meeting neighborhood role models that motivate them but most importantly can relate to their upbringing.”

“I am so impressed with the dedicated work of Karim Abouelnaga and the team at the Academy of American Studies and the work they are doing,” Nolan said. “My thanks to Assemblywoman Simotas for introducing me to this worthwhile program that helps our local students.”

In the program’s pilot year in 2011, the rising fifth grade students showed significant improvements in their math and reading scores—a distinct achievement during the summer period where students typically experience learning loss. “It is inspiring to see eager bright young volunteers stepping up to the challenge of mentoring their peers,” Simotas said. “Fostering this service-minded spirit is crucial to developing the next generation of leaders.”

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