Photo credit: ANYTOWN®, CAMP EDMO®, and Canoemobile (Excellence in Summer Learning Award-Winning Programs)

Today the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) celebrates a monumental win for America’s children and families, summer learning programs and community partners across the nation, as the House and Senate have approved $121.9 billion for K-12 economic support under the American Rescue Plan.

The bill includes billions in funding via set-asides at the state and local levels for summer learning and out-of-school time programs that was championed by U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (CT) and Michael Bennet (CO).

The news hit nearly a week after leaders from the NSLA and the Afterschool Alliance joined Senator Murphy and Senator Bennet for a National Virtual Briefing on Summer Enrichment Funding.

Across the country, summer programs are adapting and innovating to ensure children and their families can access quality summer learning opportunities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Many programs are exploring safe, in-person summer enrichment opportunities as well as developing virtual and at-home learning experiences families can do together.

To help you prepare for the summer season, NSLA and out-of-school time experts offered strategies to accelerate learning and summer fun in the first Summer Bootcamp: Get Ready for Summer Series.

Didn't have an opportunity join one of our sessions? Visit our website to access the following recordings along with presentation slides.

Special thanks to our official supporting partners!

Scholastic | National Center on Afterschool and Summer Enrichment

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation | Random House Children's Books

Learn more about the allowable uses of funds from the American Rescue Plan, how to plan at the state and local level, and how the OST community can advocate for grants and contracts that support summer and afterschool programs.

Learn more about findings from the recent study with RAND, The Promise of Summer as a Time for Teacher Professional Learning. This webinar will review the research, discuss best practices in summer professional learning, and share strategies for energizing teachers after an exhausting year.

Learn how organizations can best equip summer program staff with tools and training on race, equity, and inclusion in order to meet student needs and maximize program impact this summer.

At the 2021 Every Hour Counts National Institute, you are invited to gather virtually to reimagine the future of afterschool and what’s possible to engage, empower, and support young people. Participants will explore how to develop community-wide solutions with young people and leaders from across communities.