Durham, NC - School may be out but for 45 local children, a Duke-sponsored program is helping them get ready for next year.

Stepping Stones is a four-week "transition to kindergarten" summer program for incoming E.K. Powe Elementary students with little or no preschool experience. From 7 July - 1 August 30 rising kindergarteners and 15 rising first graders will work on their pre-reading/math and kindergarten readiness skills.

The program is part of the Duke-Durham Neighborhood Initiative and Duke is serving as primary sponsor. Duke graduate student Andrea Hamilton directs the program.

Pictured above, children sit in a circle at a Powe classroom and discuss drawings that they drew.