BASIC’s 9th Summer Learning Academy Sparks Growth with New Leadership and TK Program for Youngest Learners

Borrego Springs, CA – July 2, 2025 — The sun wasn’t the only thing shining in Borrego Springs this week--BASIC’s summer Learning Academy launched its 9th year with a vibrant Parent Orientation that filled the UCI Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center with excitement, gratitude, and anticipation.

Families arrived to a warm welcome and left with backpacks stuffed with program t-shirts, water bottles to beat the desert heat, and free books to spark summer reading at home. Students and parents toured classrooms, met their teachers, and asked thoughtful questions about the month ahead.

“It’s always inspiring to see families so engaged from day one,” said Ken Collard, BASIC’s new Learning Academy Dean of Students. “This program is about more than academics—it’s about building confidence, connection, and momentum for the school year ahead. We’re not only closing gaps, we’re moving students steadily toward grade-level success—and that can change the entire trajectory of their education.”

Four Classrooms, One Mission: Empowering Learners

This year, 45 students are enrolled in four core classes:

• Elementary Reading (Grades 2–3)
  • Teacher: Tania Fuerte
  • Teacher’s Aide: Joselynn Troncoso
• Elementary Math (Grades 4–5)
  • Teacher: Meg Hanna
  • Teacher’s Aide: Mariana Torres
• Middle School Math (Grades 6–8)
  • Teacher: Armando Banuelos
  • Teacher’s Aide: Veronica Villafana
• Middle School English (Grades 6–8)
  • Teacher: Heidi Schlotfeldt
  • Teacher’s Aide: Melanie Urquidez

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Each student receives over 100 hours of instruction, along with all the supplies they need to succeed. And for those with near-perfect attendance, a laptop awaits—an investment in their learning journey that extends far beyond July.
“We see students come in shy and unsure, and leave with their heads high and their voices strong,” said Ms. Fuerte, who’s returning for her ninth summer. “That transformation is why we do this.”

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