Twenty-three years ago, a friendship blossomed in Lancaster County that would change the community for the better.

Working as a summer camp counselor for the Boys and Girls Club of Lancaster, Philadelphia-native Shayne Meadows met fellow counselor Ty Bair. The two shared the same mindset when it came to serving children. As Meadows put it, they were both “kids-oriented.”

Seven years later, Meadows and Bair founded Exit Lancaster — now Advantage Lancaster. Based out of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, the program offers after-school tutoring as well as summer advancement courses to combat what’s known as the summer slide, or the dip in learning opportunities that occurs between school years.

Advantage Lancaster has since quadrupled its summer enrollment from 11 students in 2002 to up to 45 students, Meadows says.

Meadows, 46, who also teaches sixth-grade science at Hand Middle School in the School District of Lancaster, calls the program “an adventure of learning during the summertime.”

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Temple University in 1995.

Family:  Married to fellow Lancaster city educator Jennifer Meadows for 15 years; they have a daughter, Genesis, 13, and son, Xavier, 8.

Lives in:  Ronks.

I got into teaching because:  I just wanted to help young kids, somebody that came from similar circumstances as myself.

I’m most inspired at my job when:  I see other teachers and how committed they are.

In my free time, I:  like being with my family, laughing … because those times are precious.

Favorite music artist:  Childish Gambino.

My go-to vacation spot is:  Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

First job:  Bagger at Super Fresh Market in Philadelphia.

Favorite book:  “The Hate U Give,” by Angie Thomas.

I cook a mean:  Grilled hamburger.

Best advice I’ve received:  As a Christian, treat people as you would like to be treated.