Research Reports

Summer Programs Snapshot Series

Rhea Almeida, Natasha Berger, Sara McAlister, Elise Wilkerson, and Imani Wilson
November 2024 | The Wallace Foundation

This research series from The Wallace Foundation examines the design and essential features of summer programs across the United States. It explores how school districts are transforming traditional credit recovery programs into dynamic and effective summer learning experiences. The research highlights how the District Summer Learning Network focuses on creating enriching and comprehensive educational opportunities. Manchester Public School District's Flight School and Oakland Unified School District's Summer HAcK serve as practical examples. These programs successfully integrate project-based learning, social-emotional support, and community partnerships to prepare high school students for success. The series also explores how rural school districts leverage community partnerships to develop robust summer programs. It emphasizes how challenges faced by rural communities, such as academic gaps and limited resources, can be addressed by tapping into close-knit relationships and local assets

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