Media Advisory

Approximately 220 children enrolled in summer learning programs through Johns Hopkins University's Center for Summer Learning will take part in an end of summer celebration on Wednesday, hosted by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle. The students spent six weeks this summer at six sites — five elementary schools in Baltimore and a YMCA — honing their math and reading skills to combat "summer slide," the brain-drain phenomena brought on by a lazy summer break. Johns Hopkins research shows that, typically, students lose two months' worth of hard-won academic skills from the previous school year if they don't engage in high-quality, constructive learning activities.

"Summer learning strategies are as critical to our children as training camp drills are to the Ravens," said Ron Fairchild, executive director of the Center for Summer Learning. "Off-season preparation is the key to a successful school year, just as it is to a winning football season."

Rolle is a champion for summer learning programs, Fairchild said, adding that the Rolle Into Reading program has helped ensure that more children in Baltimore have access to academic enrichment during the summertime.

Fairchild will be on hand at the camp on Wednesday to speak to reporters. His cell phone number is 410-370-2132. The Center for Summer Learning is online at www.summerlearning.org. Directions to the training camp are available online at www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ trainingCamp.jsp#Parking.