Each summer, the YMCA of Greater Nashua works to close learning gaps, support families and create a safe, enriching environment for local youth. But ensuring academic progress — not just summer fun — requires intentional structure, specialized curriculum and reliable data. That’s why the Y partnered with Arly, a platform designed to help organizations deliver measurable outcomes through high-quality programming.
Since 2018, the collaboration has enabled the YMCA to deepen its partnership with the local school district, enhance staff support, streamline administrative tasks, and create a more consistent, evidence-based experience for children.
Below, Carlisa Choate, the executive director of education at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, shares how the partnership has enhanced summer programming opportunities, the benefits to both staff and members, and more.
Why did you decide to partner with Arly? Did you have a specific problem you were looking to solve?
We partnered with Arly because we wanted to strengthen the youth in our community with summer programming in collaboration with our local school district. Our goal was to support the students we serve during the school year and help reverse the “summer slide” many children experience academically. We also wanted to offer families a safe, engaging summer environment while ensuring that learning was measurable. Arly provided the structure, tools and data-driven approach we needed to meet all of those goals.
What are the benefits to your business as a result of this partnership?
This partnership has brought tremendous benefits. Our staff and dedicated teachers can focus fully on supporting students, while Arly manages key program components. The academic and enrichment curriculum, along with staff professional development, have strengthened the quality of our program. Arly also makes it simple to take attendance, manage applications, and enroll participants through an integrated and user-friendly platform.
What are the benefits to your members as a result of this partnership?
Families benefit from an evidence-based summer program that consistently produces academic and social-emotional gains. Many return year after year because they see real growth in their children. Arly’s comprehensive evaluation of our data helps us understand what’s working and where we can improve, and this information is essential for our grant and funding requirements.
Have you been pleasantly surprised by working with Arly in any way?
Yes — Arly is extremely user-friendly and adaptable. Whenever we have questions, the response is quick, helpful and always professional. Their support has been exceptional.
What else can you tell other rec center professionals about the benefits of working with Arly?
The program is highly effective. Over the past seven years, our data has shown not only that students avoid the typical 2.5 months of summer learning loss, but many actually gain up to a full month of learning. The structure is clear and easy to implement, and our students are often sad when the program ends, a true sign of its impact.
