By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – A low-cost summer program at Pima Community College is keeping teens learning during the break while teaching them job skills.
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The National Summer Learning Association says summer programs are vital to prevent learning loss, but spots fill up fast. The Pima for Youth program still has space available.
Borna Abareshi, 15, moved to the U.S. from Iran seven months ago. He had a goal in mind — learning more about airplanes.
“When I came to America, I told my dad I wanted to go to programs for aviation. There’s a lot of opportunities,” Abareshi said.
You can view the full interviews for this story in the video player below.
Abareshi is getting his wish this week at Pima Community College. Students say if they weren’t doing this, they’d be bored.
“It just feels like I want something to do with my hands. I want something to do instead of sitting around all day,” said Carsen Runyon, a Pima for Youth student.
Summer programs prevent learning loss
Summer boredom doesn’t just frustrate kids — it also leads to learning loss.
“I have a lot of friends; I talk to them, but I wanted to go discover aviation, and I’d probably be at home doing nothing,” Abareshi said.
The program runs through the end of July, and each week-long topic costs between $0 and $250.
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Amanda Abens, the Pima Community College Assistant Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development, says 13 is the perfect age to start learning about careers.
“This is really an extension of what is happening for them in school during the school year preparing them for careers and college,” Abens said.
In the coming weeks, students can explore cyber tech, fashion design, and more. Some programs cost nothing, and registration is open now.
“I’m really having a really great experience here,” Abareshi said.
You can view a full list of options and register here.
Isabela Lisco is a Report for America corpsmember covering education solutions for 13 News. Her position is made possible through funding from Report for America and the Arizona Local News Foundation’s Arizona Community Collaborative Fund.
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