The History of the Gus Bus

How We Began

A Community Problem

• In 2003, local educators discover that half of Harrisonburg's pre-school kids were not ready to start Kindergarten

A Community Solution

• Local pre-school educator Pat Kennedy designed a neighborhood-based literacy program for kids & the Gus Bus hits the road!

More Students Get Involved

• Older siblings of pre-school students also needed enrichment and academic support. A second Gus Bus vehicle was acquired.

More Programs Launch

• Gus Bus is awarded funds from the federal grant program, 21st Century Community Learning Centers. Administered by the Virginia Department of Education, the grant funds Afterschool programs at local elementary schools.

What We Do Today

Neighborhood Bus Stops

• Weekly one-hour visits to local neighborhoods where students can borrow library books and participate in literacy-based enrichment activities.

After-school Programs

• Monday to Thursday 3:30-6:00, students stay after school to participate in free academic enrichment.

In-Home Tutoring

• Students paired one-on-one with James Madison University students volunteering as tutors for two hours per week to provide academic support.

Summer Programs

• Neighborhood Bus Stops continue through summer break. Summer Day Camps are week long deep-dives into STEAM learning.