History

Horizons at the University of Mississippi is an affiliate of the Horizons National organization. The Horizons model has been tried and tested and is successful in eliminating summer learning loss among its students. Not only do Horizons students avoid summer learning losses, they often improve their academic performance in reading and math during the very first summer. They also gain valuable experiences in art, music, mindfulness, and science.

After hearing Marian Wright Edelman, a nationally known advocate for disadvantaged children, speak on campus in February 2012, Provost Morris Stocks and the College of Liberal Arts led the effort to bring Horizons to UM. An AmeriCorps VISTA member in the College of Liberal Arts was instrumental in the planning and implementation of the first summer’s program. That first summer brought 31 students from Bramlett Elementary to the UM campus for the six-week program. In addition to the academic progress, every student enjoyed daily swimming lessons and left Horizons comfortable in the water. The first summer of Horizons at UM was a success. Horizons has continued to grow by a class each summer, serving 45 students in 2014, 63 students in 2015, and 75 in 2016. In 2017, Horizons will serve 90 students from the Oxford and Lafayette County School Districts.

Horizons at UM looks forward to program expansion, adding a class each summer until it serves kindergarten through grade eight. Horizons will integrate additional academic and enrichment activities such as food education, nutrition, science, and biology into the coming summers.

Please visit Horizons National for additional information about the history of the Horizons model.