Fall is here and that means kids are back in school. Many of them are more prepared for classes now than they were at the start of the summer thanks to an intensive math program at the EX3 Ron Sandwith Teen Center in Federal Way. The program helped 25 teens turn fear into confidence when approaching math problems.

For three years Jason Weichert and other Education Intervention Specialists at EX3 Teen Center have worked to build a summer math program with a curriculum that is specifically aligned with state Grade Level Expectations (GLEs).

Every summer, teens meet for five consecutive weeks, Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to noon. Transportation is provided to EX3 from Kilo Middle School. Classroom sizes are intentionally kept small to provide kids one-on-one help, never exceeding 15 to 17 students per staff member. Any teen participating in the program is given free membership to EX3 for the summer.

Parents are grateful to have the math intensive as a resource. Sharon Harrison, whose son Kyle attends EX3, encouraged him to attend a second year. “I’m very pleased with the programs and with my son’s success at conquering math. The staff is awesome; they’re very concerned with each student that attends.”

George Garcia is one of many kids that flourished in the program. This year he passed the WASL test and was better prepared for it because of his work with Jason and the EX3 staff. George just started high school and although he doesn’t need help with math anymore, he’s still a regular at EX3. The EX3 Ron Sandwith Teen Center is a branch of Boys and Girls Clubs of King County. Boys and Girls Clubs work to teach lessons that last a lifetime; promoting academic success, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles.

The EX3 Ron Sandwith Teen Center serves an average of 2,500 youth annually. in Federal Way. Visit www.ex3live.com to learn more about EX3.