Every Child Deserves to Shine
The Dyslexia Center of Austin actively works to expand access to specialized dyslexia intervention for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
Through partnerships with local schools and community organizations, the Dyslexia Center of Austin has provided free after-school dyslexia therapy to students at Walnut Creek Elementary, Galindo Elementary, Boys & Girls Clubs, Santa Cruz Catholic School, and other community programs.
Today, our commitment continues through Dyslexia Center of Austin’s partnership with Trinity Episcopal School’s SHINE program.
During SHINE’s six-week summer program, Dyslexia Center of Austin provides free, evidence-based dyslexia intervention to students from under-resourced communities, giving them access to highly trained Dyslexia Therapists and the specialized instruction they need to build foundational reading and spelling skills.
What began as a shared commitment to make a difference in students’ lives is now a meaningful partnership—one that helps more children access the tools, confidence, and support they need to shine.
About SHINE
SHINE is a six-week summer camp at Trinity Episcopal School that helps children from under-resourced communities thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. It serves about 100 students entering grades 1–8 and provides academic instruction, enrichment activities, and family support at no cost to participating families.
What We Bring to SHINE
The Dyslexia Center of Austin first partnered with SHINE in summer 2025.
Rising first graders worked in Build, and rising second graders received Take Flight dyslexia therapy.
In summer 2026, we expanded the partnership and funded three dyslexia therapy groups for 12 rising first- and second-grade students. Each group was led by a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) trained through our Take Flight Dyslexia Therapist Training Program. Working in small groups built around each student’s needs, they taught phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
Why Summer Intervention Matters
For many families, this level of individualized, evidence-based dyslexia therapy would otherwise be out of reach. Six weeks of summer intervention helps students keep their momentum, reduce summer learning loss, and start the school year with stronger literacy skills and more confidence.
SHINE’s own assessment data show that students at most grade levels outperform expected summer growth rates in literacy.
SHINE Co-Executive Directors Chris Ernest and Diana Clemens on the moments that stay with them:
“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
Thank You
Thank you to Dyslexia Center of Austin graduates Karyn Simmons, Mickie Plaisance, and Delma Chavanne. You changed the trajectory of children’s lives at SHINE.
Read more about this program in our blog.
Help Every Child Shine
Your gift helps more children get the specialized dyslexia instruction they need.