More than half of the achievement gap between lower- and higher-income students can be explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities, studies have found.

The impact can be long lasting, according to the National Summer Learning Association. As a result of those summer disparities, low-income youth are less likely to graduate from high school or enter college.

The Salisbury Post is spearheading a fund drive to fight the “summer slide” in middle and high school. The Impact Summer Reading Fund would help every rising sixth- through 12th-grader in the Rowan-Salisbury Schools have a book to read over the summer. Schools will host related summer activities.

Here’s the latest:

Beginning total  $23,537.22

For Carson, West Rowan and South Rowan high schools, from Anonymous … $1,200

For West Rowan Middle School, from Len & Susan Clark … $20

For Henderson School, in honor of Mrs. Patty Freeland, from Barbara Mitchell … $50

For Knox and Salisbury High, in honor of Pastor Steve Combs, we will miss you, from Jayne & Joel Hubbard … $50

For Salisbury High, from Joy Kelley … $20

New total … $24,877.22

Note: The report in Monday’s paper had an incorrect total. Today’s information is corrected.

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