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Dear Summer Learning Community,



The National Summer Learning Association welcomes the proposed settlement between Meta and state attorneys general and, in particular, its recognition that summer programs can be an important part of addressing the harms young people experience from social media.

The agreement expressly identifies “after school or summer programs, such as sports, literacy, dance, and other activities” among the ways states may use settlement funds to support young people. That inclusion matters. Summer programs give children and youth opportunities to step away from screens and spend time learning, creating, being active, building relationships with peers and caring adults, and experiencing the connection and belonging that are essential to healthy development.

NSLA works to ensure that every young person, regardless of background, income, or zip code, can access a high-quality summer learning experience. As states consider how settlement resources should be invested, we encourage leaders to include high-quality summer learning and enrichment as part of a broader strategy to strengthen youth mental health, well-being, and positive development.

Through our participation in the Fund IRL coalition, we are proud to join organizations across the youth development, mental health, education, arts, sports, library, mentoring, and advocacy fields in calling for these resources to be invested transparently and equitably in the programs and services that help young people thrive in real life.

The explicit inclusion of summer programs in this proposed settlement is an important opportunity. We call on governors, attorneys general, legislators, and other state leaders to engage youth, families, and community-based organizations in funding decisions and dedicate a meaningful share of settlement resources to high-quality summer programs. We also encourage summer learning advocates to contact their state leaders and make the case for investing these funds in safe, engaging experiences that help young people connect, belong, and thrive. NSLA looks forward to working with state and community leaders to help translate this opportunity into meaningful access to summer learning experiences for young people across the country.