Photo courtesy of Anna Maria Oyster Bar.

In an effort to not only continue education for kids over summer break, but instill a lifelong love of reading and teach lasting social-emotional skills, The Dive Into Reading (DIR) summer reading program is back and will run for five weeks: June 7 - July 15, 2021. The annual reading program hosted by Anna Maria Oyster Bar (AMOB) aims to improve children’s reading levels by combating the  “Summer Slide” — when kids tend to decline in reading ability and other academic skills that can occur over the summer months when school isn't in session. DIR will be offered at six area locations in the School District of Manatee County including the Anna Maria Oyster Bars at Ellenton, Cortez and Landside; Gecko’s SR-70; O’bricks Irish Pub; and The Bishop Museum of Science & Nature. 

"John [CEO of AMOB] and I have loved seeing how our Dive Into Reading family grows each year," says Director of Marketing & Philanthropy for AMOB, Amanda Home. "And this year, we are expecting to double the number of children being mentored from 372 in 2019 to almost 600 rising 2nd and 3rd graders from all 15 of our Manatee County Title I elementary schools." By the end of the summer 2021 program, Dive Into Reading will have served nearly 1500 students in its five-year history.

According to AMOB, on average, a child from an asset limited family can lose between two to two and a half months of reading skills during the summer—with a little help from our community. "Just two hours a day, we can ensure our children have the opportunities to be successful in life! It's joyful, it's fun and you'll make memories that will fill your heart for a lifetime." 

Held virtually in 2020, this summer, the program will return safely in-person and is seeking a diverse group of volunteer mentors to encourage, grow and inspire the young minds of rising 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders in the Manatee County area. Interested mentors can apply online here and will be required to attend one 90-minute training session.

"As we enter the fifth summer of Dive Into Reading," says Home, "one of the many joys is not knowing who gets the most out of it...the kids or the mentors!"

Photo courtesy of Anna Maria Oyster Bar.

Click here for more information/results of The Dive In Summer Reading Program