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CHARLOTTE -- Instead of hanging out around the pool, hundreds of kids are cracking the books. "Y Readers", is designed to help close CMS's achievement gap. The six-week program targets rising first and second graders who are reading below grade level.

Last year, Alan Martinez could barely read a book. Today, teacher Molly Lewis said the rising second grader is one of her most promising pupils.

"He has really just blossomed,” said Lewis. “He's a great reader. He's a great writer. He's so excited."

Martinez recounted the books he likes to read. "Cars 2, Arthur, Junie B. Jones and Clifford."

But Alan's story is not unique. He's one of hundreds of success stories that's come out the YMCA's Y Readers program.

"There is a gap in the summer. Kids are losing all of the learning or the learning they get during the school year,” said Blair Campbell with the Y.

Lewis said she sees a marked improvement in her students.

"It's amazing actually. When they come in sometimes, they really aren't fluent readers or they don't recognize the words or they can't write complete," said Lewis.

Initially dubbed Project Starfish, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools partnered with the YMCA in 1999 to address the district's growing achievement gap. What started with 40 students at Reid Park Elementary has grown to 11 schools including Nations Ford and more than 500 students today.

Each school identifies rising first and second graders who are reading below grade level. They're then put through the intensive, but fun, six-week program taught by teachers they know. Like Ms. Lewis.

"Phonics and word work. We also have writer's workshop guided reading and readers workshop. And since it's a smaller group, we can make sure that the kids are actually getting the one-on-one time with the teacher,” said Lewis.

The cost is just $1,300 per students, a sixth of what CMS pays when a child repeats a grade according to Campbell.

"It is definitely worth the time energy and money that we're putting into it," Campbell said.

To insure these students are well equipped to handle what lies ahead.

The YMCA provides the program free of charge to the students. But they rely on donations. If you'd like to help you can call Blair Campbell at the YMCA of Greater Charlotte at 704-716-6365.