YOUR SOURCE FOR SUMMER LEARNING NEWS
July 8, 2019
Issue No. 12
Greetings!
It's National Summer Learning Week! The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) is excited to lead the country during this awareness and advocacy celebration that aims to elevate the importance of high-quality summer programs in keeping millions of children and youth safe, healthy and learning every summer. This week features hundreds of celebrations and summer activities with libraries, museums, summer camps and school district partners coast to coast.

On Monday July 8th and Tuesday July 9th, the NSLA team will be in New York City celebrating with PASE (Partnership for Afterschool Education), students from DREAM, education leaders, partners and board members. On Wednesday, July 10, NSLA will join Boston After School & Beyond and Boston Public Schools in a press event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Boston’s bold idea to use the entire city as a classroom for 14,000 children in the summer months.  

Finally, on Thursday, July 11th, in a reception with the National League of Cities, NSLA will welcome U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon as we celebrate the reintroduction of the Summer Meals and Learning Act. The bill is co-sponsored by Wyden along with Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Joseph Morelle of New York’s 25th District.

We hope everyone will join us in championing summer learning opportunities for every kid, every summer regardless of zip code. Post your events and programs on our Summer Learning Week Event Tracker and check out the theme days and resources below.
Aaron Philip Dworkin, CEO
National Summer Learning Association
There No Debating the Value of Summer Learning for America's Youth
Ask educators in any part of the country and they will tell you there’s no debate: summers matter for children, families and educators. That’s why NSLA put out a call to the nation to elevate the importance of high-quality summer programs for children and youth.

Recent research published by the RAND Corporation points to findings from a Wallace Foundation study — the largest-ever of summer learning in urban school districts — which showed that students with high attendance in free, five- to six-week, voluntary summer learning programs experienced educationally meaningful benefits in math and reading. In addition, Summer: A Time for Learning, a Wallace Foundation brief, published in July 2019, provides five lessons from school districts and their partners about running successful summer learning programs.

National Summer Learning Week highlights include:

  • The launch of a summer public service campaign featuring 1,000 #KeepKidsLearning digital billboards by Clear Channel Outdoor Americas;

  • Two iHeartRadio summer learning PSAs, with one featuring the voice of Dr. Steve Perry, a daytime TV host and “America’s educator”;


  • Numerous meaningful opportunities in the week for parents, children, educators, and professionals leading summer programs to celebrate and engage.
National Summer Learning Week Theme Days
KICK OFF DAY - MONDAY, JULY 8
Use your favorite social media to post a picture or video of your friends, children, students, and colleagues engaged in summer fun and learning with #SmarterSummers and SummerLearningWeek. Get our sample social media & email copy for you to help spread the word and show your support of summer learning opportunities for our nation's kids!
DISCOVERY DAY - TUESDAY, JULY 9
It’s been fifty years since Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first landed on the moon. NASA now tells us the “Next Giant Leap” is Mars. Turn science-fiction into reality, through exploration in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and open up possibilities for all young people to soar this summer.
MASTERPIECE DAY - WEDNESDAY, JULY 10
Research confirms that the arts prepare students for school, life, and work. Summer is a blank canvas for creativity and self-expression through music, literature, dance, theater, visual arts, and so much more. Spark the imagination and a muse that delights the spirit of a child.
FUTURE LEADERS DAY - THURSDAY, JULY 11
Ready, Set, Succeed! Support a student in charting their course for success during and beyond high school. A summer job, internship, mentorship, or plan to pursue higher education sets our future leaders on a path to change the world.
Introducing the 2019 Summer Learning Awards Finalists

Each year, the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) recognizes the outstanding work done during the summer months on behalf of our nation’s youth. Candidates for the Summer Learning Awards are exceptional summer programs, models, and systems that keep children and youth learning, safe and healthy during the critical summer months.Tune in to our Facebook and Twitter channels as the 2019 finalists introduce themselves to the nation!
Register Now for Our National Conference, Summer Changes Everything™, October 21-23 in Atlanta, Georgia
We look forward to welcoming you to Atlanta to dive into resources, best practices, and solutions for summer learning and afterschool success at our national conference, Summer Changes Everything , October 21-23, 2019 at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel. Summer Changes Everything is the only national conference devoted to summer learning opportunities for youth.

This year, NSLA welcomes  Dr. Steve Perry , one of the most sought after educators in America, as our keynote speaker. Dr. Perry is the educator Oprah Winfrey, Sean “P-Diddy” Combs, Bishop TD Jakes and Steve Harvey call on to offer insight to parents and children. 

Conference registration rates, the schedule overview, list of workshops, hotel and travel information, and exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are available now on the conference homepage .
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