Learning happens anywhere and anytime, and summer is the perfect time to unleash the curiosity and enthusiasm of young people. That's why the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) and Lands' End have teamed up to present the first-ever Love Learning Award to shine a spotlight on quality programs that bring learning to life in informal learning spaces and support families in meaningful ways. The winning program will receive a $10,000 award and national recognition!

Applications are open through November 30, 2018. Particular focus will be given to summer programs that focus on environmental stewardship and STEAM.

National Arts in Education Week celebrates the transformative power of the arts in education and its impact on all students. During the week, Americans for the Arts share stories on the impact of the arts on student success on social media. Join and follow the conversation online with #BecauseOfArtsEd.

Lights On Afterschool is coming next month! Use the event toolkit to help you brainstorm brilliant celebrations and make them happen. Each and every Lights On Afterschool celebration is as unique as the community hosting it, and all options are on the table.

Register your celebration today to receive 10 free Lights On Afterschool posters, featuring artwork from students attending programs across the country. Post them around your community to promote October 25 as children start a new school year and return to their afterschool programs.

As Congress works to pass a series of budget bills and avoid a government shutdown at the end of September, the House is considering adopting the Senate's education bill, which includes strong support for 21st Century Community Learning Centers and other key funding that supports summer programs ($2 billion more than the House proposal). The Trump Administration proposal once again eliminates many education funding programs, so it is important for Congress to continue to hear from the field why these programs matter.