The Horizons National network of programs has been providing high-quality, six-week academic and enrichment summer programs for students from underserved communities since 1964. Horizons programs serve the same youth year after year, starting as early as pre-kindergarten and, in some cases, maintaining connection and support through a student’s high school years. With more than 80 percent of students returning to the program every summer, CEO Lorna Smith and the Horizons National team wondered: did the academic gains these students made each year add up to something more over the long term? They turned to Lauren Scher and the research team at Concentric Research & Evaluation to help them find out.

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