Reading isn't just an important part of education. It's an important part of life. But sometimes making sure children are reading at their grade level can be difficult. That's why groups like Berrien RESA are working to find ways to make sure those students get the extra help they need. We take a look at the approaches and techniques they're using across Berrien County.

PechaKucha (Japanese for “chit chat”) is the world’s fastest-growing storytelling platform, used by millions around the globe. Pecha Kucha Night is for creativity and not for profit. Presentations are 20 images x 20 seconds each. Many cities often lack spaces where creative people can share their work, so Pecha Kucha Nights are about exposing the hidden creativity in a city. These events are held in over 900 cities globally. People use the platform to share hilarious, heartwarming, tear-jerking Pecha Kucha presentations at venues around the world.

Learning music can have added benefits for a child's learning. But sometimes the cost is what makes it difficult. At the Kroc Center in South Bend, they offer free classes for children that can help to give them the confidence they need to succeed in other areas of school.

United Way of Porter County and its partners have been able to expand kindergarten readiness programs to meet need and lay the groundwork for a universal assessment process to evaluate the early childhood learning landscape in Porter County.Program expansion includes increasing the number of students helped by the United Way of Porter County. Kinder Camp, Parents as Teachers in-school, Ready, Set, Kindergarten are just a few of the programs sponsored by the United Way of Porter County. Approximately 500 students are helped every year.

There are many types of therapy out there designed to help people express themselves and work out different situations. For those battling cancer along with their families are able to use art therapy to help them deal with the emotional tolls of treatment. We head up to the Krasl Art Center to learn more about art therapy.

For anyone who works with kids, there can be times when they need to step away and learn more about new approaches. For more than three decades the Indiana Youth Institute has been working to support all forms of youth services through innovative trainings, critical data and capacity building resources all geared towards increasing the well-being of all children.

Premier Arts inspires the imagination and develops the creative spirit of our community. Its focus is on youth, family, and lifelong learning. Premier Arts, the Resident Theatre of the Lerner Performing Arts Center, is comprised of professional staff guided by engaged community leaders serving as the board of Directors. Premier Arts, based in Elkhart, Indiana, is the recognized regional leader in providing diverse, professional performing arts education and entertainment. Premier Arts instills civic pride, confidence and character building for everyone engaged in its success. The region supports Premier Arts through attendance, contribution and volunteerism. The Youth Education Series give students an experience of live theater.  

Project Matters LLC is one of Indiana’s first business incubator programs, creating a support system for entrepreneurs including education, funding, and counseling. Amy Beechy(Founder) worked with community leaders who created entrepreneurship programs for all ages, beginning with 3rd grade students. These programs were recognized throughout the state of Indiana for their progressive and comprehensive approaches to entrepreneurship. Clients include economic development organizations, community foundations, chambers of commerce, united ways, and healthcare organizations.

The ETHOS Innovation Center in Elkhart provides many opportunities for kids to get an up close look at the scientific world. And through the Science Academy, students are able to experience a hands on experience in a variety of scientific areas.

A mirror doesn't just reflect the image of the person looking into it. It also reflects the hard work of the person who helped to make it. At the Center for Homeless in South Bend and the Three Mirrors Project, guests are gaining the skills not only to create these unique works of art, but also learning how to help break the cycle of homelessness.

Bridge Academy is an alternative school for high school students and offers an alternative for students who may not have thrived in a more tradition school setting.The Bridge Academy is powered by Kinexus and offers both academic and vocational training for individuals 16 and older.Individuals can earn their GED or high school diploma, and have the opportunity to learn more about a specific career path or industry that interests them. Participants will work closely with a Kinexus specialist who will support them throughout the training process, and help the participant learn more about potential employment options in the community. Participants will also have the opportunity to apply their mastery of academic and vocational training through working with employers in the community.

Nicholas Buamah has always had a remarkable vocabulary. So naturally, when he attended school he impressed all of his teachers. He wanted to find a way to help other kids his age understand some of the words he was using. So Nicholas and his mother came up with the idea to write a book and since then Nicholas's book Kayla & Kyle: The Walking Dictionaries has become one of Amazon's best sellers.