As the school year ends, it’s essential to reflect on both achievements and challenges. Looking ahead to the summer, while rest is important, staying informed on national legislative actions is crucial for future programming and curriculum decisions at the state and local levels.
The recent legislative discussion on the “Improving Education Outcomes Act” highlights the vital role of afterschool and summer programs in enhancing student achievement and well-being. This acknowledgment serves as a call to action for educators and leaders in education-focused nonprofits.
The proposed act emphasizes the significant impact of these programs on academic performance, social-emotional development, and equitable access to educational resources. By extending learning beyond regular classroom hours, afterschool and summer initiatives foster creativity, critical thinking, and resilience among students.
Education leaders should advocate for increased funding and support for these programs. Collaboration with policymakers, stakeholders, and community members is essential to ensure the sustainability and expansion of quality afterschool and summer learning opportunities. This strategic investment addresses educational disparities and equips students with the necessary skills to thrive.
A notable example is Indiana’s Indy Summer Learning Labs, initiated in 2021 to combat COVID learning loss. These labs have shown significant gains in English and math by focusing on academics every morning. Indiana recently provided $5 million in grants to expand these labs to four additional communities. The labs, created by The Mind Trust and the United Way of Central Indiana, have grown to serve up to 5,500 students at 49 sites this summer.
A Rand Corp. survey in 2023 found that over 70% of school districts have added or expanded summer programs since the pandemic, making them a common use of federal COVID relief funds.
I encourage you to support organizations such as Afterschool Alliance and the National Summer Learning Association who are leading actions and discussions focused on prioritizing and enhancing afterschool and summer programs—because every child deserves the chance to succeed.
