Helping Every Child Shine
How SHINE Camp Is Changing Lives Through Summer Learning
By DySLEXIA CENTER OF AUSTIN’S INTERN, Kimberley Simmons
“All children should have the opportunity to shine their brightest, but some kids have a tougher road than others.”
This belief is at the heart of SHINE, a six-week summer camp at Trinity Episcopal School. SHINE helps children from under-resourced communities thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Serving about 100 students entering grades 1–8, SHINE provides high-quality academic instruction, enriching activities, and family support at no cost to participating families.
A Partnership That Changes Reading Outcomes
One of SHINE’s most transformative partnerships is with the Dyslexia Center of Austin, which is committed to ensuring that every child has access to evidence-based dyslexia intervention, regardless of financial circumstances.
In its second summer partnering with SHINE, the Dyslexia Center of Austin funded three dyslexia therapy groups that provided specialized instruction for 12 rising first- and second-grade students.
The children received intensive, structured literacy intervention that is designed to strengthen foundational reading skills from Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALTs). These highly trained therapists have completed the Dyslexia Center of Austin’s rigorous Take Flight Dyslexia Therapist Training Program.
For many families, this level of individualized, evidence-based dyslexia therapy would otherwise be financially out of reach. Through this partnership, students not only develop stronger reading skills but also gain the confidence and tools needed to become successful, lifelong readers.
The Difference Specialized Dyslexia Instruction Makes
According to SHINE Co-Executive Directors Diana Clemens and Chris Ernest, the addition of dyslexia therapy groups funded by the Dyslexia Center of Austin has significantly strengthened the camp.
By providing intensive, small-group interventions tailored to each student’s needs, CALTs deliver evidence-based instruction in phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. This specialized support helps struggling readers build foundational literacy skills and grow more self-assured.
For many students, these six weeks become a turning point in their reading journey.
Academic Growth That Matters
Throughout SHINE’s six-week summer camp, students consistently achieve measurable gains in literacy and math. Assessment data show that students at most grade levels outperform expected summer growth rates in literacy, demonstrating the power of targeted, high-quality instruction to reduce summer learning loss.
But SHINE’s impact extends beyond academics. Students leave with greater confidence, resilience, and renewed belief in their ability to succeed.
Watching Students Become Leaders
When asked about a favorite success story, Co-Executive Directors Chris Ernest and Diana Clemens found it difficult to choose just one.
“There are so many moments that come to mind, but as I sit here writing this, I was greeted by one of our recent graduates. I remember when she first joined the program as a sweet, quiet, and shy second grader. To see her now as a smart, confident high schooler serving our current SHINE students is a huge success. And I hope to follow up in two years when we learn what colleges she has been accepted into.” — Chris Ernest
“Another memorable success story is that of a student who discovered a passion for playwriting during our language arts class. Through the opportunity to write and develop her own stories, she found a creative voice and love for storytelling. Her enthusiasm extended beyond the end of the SHINE program. She continued working on her playwriting, and we stayed in touch several weeks after SHINE concluded so I could provide feedback and help her edit her work.” — Diana Clemens
Their stories embody what SHINE stands for and what the partnership with the Dyslexia Center of Austin makes possible. It’s not simply about improving reading or academic skills; it’s about helping children unlock their potential.
Helping Every Child Shine
Together, SHINE and the Dyslexia Center of Austin are lighting the way so more children have the opportunity to thrive all summer long and throughout their educational journey.
Learn more about the Dyslexia Center of Austin at dyslexiacenterofaustin.org.
