The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) is a national, non-profit organization focused on the powerful impact of one achievable goal: investing in summer learning to help close the achievement gap. NSLA uses the power of research, advocacy, training, and policy to transform America’s neighborhoods and communities, one child at a time. This digital press kit contains resources and research curated by NSLA from partners and experts in the field of summer learning.
Smarter Summers. Brighter Futures.
When the school year ends, children in high-poverty environments struggle not only with basic needs like healthy food and safe places to spend their days, but with losing precious time during the summer months to continue their learning. Creating opportunities for summer learning sets the stage for innovation, creativity, and leadership for young people in every community.
Summer by the Numbers Infographic
What happens to children during the summer? The “summer slide” is what often happens to disadvantaged children during the summer months. They tread water at best or even fall behind, while higher-income children build their skills steadily over the summer months.
Summer Learning Snapshot
National Summer Learning Week is a national advocacy event and celebration led by NSLA. Formally known as National Summer Learning Day, this celebration highlights the importance of keeping kids learning, safe, and healthy every summer. This snapshot represents the millions of children and families touched by the power of Summer 2018.
Learning from Summer Research Brief
The Wallace Foundation is funding a multiyear study in five urban school districts to determine whether voluntary summer learning programs are effective and what factors are associated with success. This brief summarizes the outcomes of two summers of programming (2013 and 2014) on 3,192 students who had completed third grade before the first summer. Future research will analyze whether program effects persist after seventh grade.
Learning Heroes Summer Stride
Summertime means longer days and sun, making it the perfect time for learning fun! Start by finding out where your child is doing well and where they may need more help. Visit bealearninghero.org for the Readiness Check, a free digital summer learning tool, and more!
Summer Opportunities: A Research Agenda
The summer learning field is grounded in more than 100 years of research about summer learning loss. The research demonstrates the disproportionate effect on poor and minority youth, long-term effects on achievement, and best practices for programs and policies. This agenda is organized under three broad categories to help communities invest in opportunities that best support their youth.
ESSA Creates New Opportunities for Summer Learning Success
State plans under ESSA reveal strategies for schools to combine federal and state investments and drive student success with targeted summer activities. These include explicit summer strategies and allowable uses of funds, as well as natural fits for summer within ESSA provisions.
National Summer Learning Week – July 12–16, 2021
National Summer Learning Week is a celebration dedicated to raising awareness around keeping kids learning, safe, and healthy every summer, ensuring they return to school in the fall ready to succeed. Each day focuses on a new theme: Literacy, STEM, Arts, College & Career Readiness, and Nutrition & Wellness.