​This summer, 37 local students participated in BASIC’s 2025 Summer Learning Academy, a
transformative four-week program designed to boost academic achievement and build
confidence for Borrego Springs youth. Held at the Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert
Research Center, the Academy ran from July 2 to July 30 and offered 100+ hours of targeted
instruction in reading and math for both elementary and middle school students.

​All 37 students met the program’s rigorous attendance requirement—missing no more than one
day out of the 20-day session—and were rewarded with a free laptop to support their continued
learning. The program’s structure included elementary and middle school reading classes and
elementary and middle school math classes, each tailored to meet learners where they are and
help them grow.

Students developed essential skills in:

• Phonemic awareness and reading fluency
• Comprehension and vocabulary building
• Number sense, problem-solving, and math reasoning
• Writing structure and expression

​For many Borrego Springs learners, this program is more than a summer boost. It’s a bridge to
long-term success. By focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy, the Academy helps
students “learn to read” in early grades and “read to learn” as they advance, a critical shift for
academic achievement.

​Enrichment activities added creativity and community connection. The Anime & Graphic Art
class, offered in partnership with the Borrego Springs Branch of the San Diego County
Library, gave students a chance to explore storytelling through visual media. Students also
signed up for the Library’s Summer Reading Challenge, offering incentives for reading,
access to free books, and opportunities to participate in fun literacy-based activities throughout
the summer. Other highlights included Kids Ready 2 Help, a FEMA-based emergency
preparedness workshop, and Art with OLAC, hosted by Ed & Joan White, blending creativity
with healing and history via a painting medium.

​The Academy culminated in a celebratory Closing Ceremony on July 30th, where families,
educators, and community members gathered to honor the hard work and growth of each student.
The event featured a vibrant display of student projects, each reflecting the creativity,
confidence, and learning nurtured throughout the program. In the Elementary Reading class,
students performed a skit inspired by a children’s book, proudly wearing capes and masks to
show that being bilingual is their superpower. The Elementary Math class engineered bridges out
of popsicle sticks, testing their strength with weights and calculating how many sticks each
structure required, combining hands-on experimentation with math-based analysis to determine
the winning design. Middle School Reading students created a video play that took audiences on
a time-traveling journey through the books they explored over the summer, while Middle School
Math students built miniature homes, applying geometry and measurement skills to bring their
designs to life. Smiles and proud moments filled the room as students received certificates of
completion and their new laptops, a gift symbolizing continued learning beyond the summer.

​For many families, the impact was deeply personal. “My daughter actually looked forward to
going every day. She only missed one day and that was because she was sick,” shared Ana, a
parent whose daughter gained confidence in multiplication. “She’s gotten better with her
multiplications. I’ll keep working with her using her multiplication cards.”

​Other caregivers echoed the program’s emotional and academic value. “My daughter wanted to
enjoy her summer break, but she chose to go to school for a month, and I know it was worth it,”
said Jazmine, parent of a math student. “She learned extra math and it will help her.” Parent
Rosalinda added, “Every day when I picked her up, she was happy. She loved what she learned
and the time with her teachers.”

​Even students found their voices through the experience. One elementary reading student shared,
“Reading in class is not scary anymore. Thank you, Ms. Fuerte.” Reflections like this echoed
throughout the evening, capturing the spirit of growth and belonging that defined the Academy.
The ceremony also featured heartfelt remarks from instructors and BASIC’s Dean of Students,
honoring the dedication of students and families whose commitment made the program a true
success.

​This summer’s Academy was more than a learning experience—it was a celebration of
possibility. From joyful breakthroughs to meaningful connections, every moment reflected the
power of a community united by purpose and heart. None of it would have been possible without
the generosity, time, and talent of those who believe in BASIC’s mission.

Thank You to Our Generous Funders

This program was made possible by the support of:

• David Copley Foundation
• San Diego Foundation
• Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF)
• Zable Foundation
• McGrory Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation
• The Thomas Ackerman Foundation
• San Diego County, Neighborhood Reinvestment Program
• Borrego Springs Civic Foundation
• BSE Foundation
• Rebecca Lent
• San Diego County Employees’ Charitable Organization
• Borrego Springs Rotary
• Caterpillar Foundation
• Borrego Ministers Association
• Rams Hill Golf Course
• Post 853 American Legion
• Joann Stang
• Eric Mustonen and Amelia Wood

In-Kind Contributors and Volunteers

We also thank those who volunteered or donated supplies, food, or transportation:

• Borrego Springs Unified School District
• Borrego Springs Library / Kids Ready 2 Help
• Borrego Springs Library / Anime Class with Carlos
• Art with OLAC
• Carol Haller
• Covington School, Kathleen Kearns
• Mary Watkins
• Jim Wall
• Ty White

For more information or to support future programs, visit BASIC at www.borregobasic.org.