Summer Programs for children are commonly overlooked by school districts, especially if they are low-income. A recent study conducted by RAND Education, a unit of the RAND Corporation, suggests that summer programs not only help students avoid the summer educational slump, but also improve one’s reading and achievement gaps. The study outlines the effectiveness of summer learning programs and potential partnerships with school districts for heightened success. 
Key findings indicate that, “on average, students lose skills over the summer, particularly in mathematics… and summer learning loss disproportionally affects low-income students and over time, these periods of differential learning rates between low-income and high-income students contribute substantially to the achievement gap in reading.” Efforts to close this gap during the school year alone are unsuccessful.
Nationally, school districts question the feasibility of offering a voluntary summer program to students. Districts “reported that launching a summer learning program that serves a high proportion of low-performing students is challenging”; however, these challenges can be overcome by supportive leaders who dedicate funding and early planning for summer learning programs.
The Boston Herald recently released an article listing various summer programs and mentoring alliances for Boston students. One organization in particular, Catholic Charities, works in partnership with Greater Boston to “provide programming that keeps young people engaged and learning” (Boston Herald). Youth Tutoring Youth is a program that engages 16 to 19 year-olds as tutors to younger students. This not only helps students at risk of summer learning loss but also develops life skills.
Here at Building Impact, we are in the midst of our Ready for School Drive, in partnership with Cradles to Crayons, The Lowell Wish Project, and Project Just Because, to help students feel prepared and confident on their first day back at school. One can either donate school supplies or sponsor a backpack filled with supplies for $15. The annual drive runs until August 19th.
To find out more about the research study listed above please visit the Abstract. To find out how you can get involved with educational programs on a local level, visit our Upcoming Events Page.
