Summer Learning Awards
Summer Learning Awards:
New York Life Foundation Excellence in Summer Learning Award
Each year, NSLA and the New York Life Foundation recognizes programs that provide high quality summer learning opportunities to young people in communities across the nation. Since 2005, the New York Life Foundation Excellence in Summer Learning Award, defined by its rigorous application and selection process, has recognized enrollment-based programs that keep children and youth safe, healthy and learning during the critical summer months.
Applicants for these awards demonstrate strong outcomes in helping students grow their passions and cement skills learned during the school year through creative curricula, unique programming, and effective family engagement strategies.
Each award-winning program receives:
- A $10,000 donation, supported by the New York Life Foundation;
- National recognition at NSLA’s annual Summer Learning Summit;
- An official award seal for use on their website and in program publications;
- Connection to a network of award-winning leaders in the field and NSLA’s professional development opportunities; and
- Visibility through national and local media outreach
2026 Summer Learning Awards Timeline:
- Round 1 application opens – November 3, 2025
- Deadline for Round 1 application – February 20, 2026
- Semi-finalists notified – Late March 2026
- Finalists notified – Early May 2026
- Finalists’ site visits – Summer 2026
- Winners notified – August 2026
Dates are subject to change
Congratulations to the 2025 Summer Learning Award Recipients:
The GEMS Camp Summer Experience—The GEMS Camp Incorporated, (Dallas, TX)
The GEMS Camp summer program is a transformative, week-long residential experience serving rising 6th-9th grade middle school girls. GEMS fosters a strong STEM identity, building confidence and exposing girls to college life and career pathways. Hosted at top universities across Texas, the program provides an immersive introduction to STEM fields through project-based learning, near-peer and professional mentorship, and engagement with socio-scientific issues.
Woodcraft Rangers (Los Angeles, CA)
Established in Los Angeles in 1922, Woodcraft Rangers’ programs are designed to support the holistic development of every child, in mind, body, spirit and sense of service. Programs are carefully crafted to inspire exploration, creativity, curiosity, confidence, and positive human connection. Woodcraft Rangers offers two types of summer experiences: Summer Day Camps for TK-12th grader students at school sites across LA County and Camp Woodcraft, a week-long sleepaway camp for youth ages 7-17 in Big Bear Valley.
Summer Achievers—The School District of Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA)
The Summer Achievers program is a collaboration between the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families and the School District of Philadelphia to provide a high-quality summer learning experience. The model offers students a no cost, full day camp experience Monday through Friday for six weeks. The program prioritizes sustainable funding, research-based approaches, accessibility, innovative staffing, and true collaboration across two major city entities, ensuring a seamless and effective experience for students and families.
Cedar Rapids Public Library (Cedar Rapids, IA)
The Cedar Rapids Public Library creates a sense of belonging and purpose for all youth, particularly those who most need support and connection. Through initiatives like internships for youth re-entering the community after a stay in Juvenile Detention Facilities, the library provides structured opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build confidence in supportive environments and offers critical workforce development opportunities and skills. Deep partnerships with community organizations, outreach in parks, and equitable programming extend these opportunities beyond the library’s walls, ensuring that all young people have access to high-quality experiences.
The 2024 Summer Learning Award Recipients:
- Portland Public Schools, Summer Acceleration Academy, (Portland, OR)
- Newark Board of Education, Summer Achieve, Summer Quest, and High School Enrichment (Newark, NJ)
- The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Partnership of Summer School Education (POSSE) Summer Learning Program, Durant, OK
- St. Louis Public Library, Summer Camps (St. Louis, MO)