Summer learning programs reduce opportunity gaps

By Myrna Castrejon

Jun 27, 2024, 6:48 PM EDT

Summer should be fun, right? With the arrival of warm temperatures and the excitement of kids and teens waking up without alarms, many families are preparing for summer with a variety of plans designed to enjoy the change of pace “as a family.” Indeed, summer vacation can benefit students by providing the rest and recreation needed to reduce academic burnout, offering experiential learning opportunities through travel, hobbies, and academically enriching family activities. However, in some cases, summer vacation can have limiting effects, especially for families who lack the resources to afford activities such as math or music camps, private lessons, or trips.

According to the US Department of Education, on average, students lose approximately two months of knowledge in math and reading during the summer months. This is what is known as the “summer slump,” which affects students of all backgrounds. Without regular academic engagement, students often forget the skills and knowledge acquired during the school year.

This “summer slide” can widen learning gaps between peers, making it increasingly difficult to catch up and stay up to date. To prevent students from experiencing this phenomenon, many schools offer high-quality summer programs that provide targeted academic support in core subjects such as math and reading and can be tailored to students’ specific needs. Summer educational programs help ensure that students are better prepared for the next school year.

Furthermore, research shows that summer education programs are essential to closing learning gaps for Latino and African American students, as well as low-income and homeless students, in California public schools. These gaps are often exacerbated by the systemic inequalities and learning loss experienced during the pandemic, impacting the academic and social development of the most vulnerable students.

However, the effectiveness of summer programs depends on their design and implementation. Successful programs often have small classes, individualized instruction, and enriching hands-on activities that make learning enjoyable. Integrating arts, music, and sports activities can provide a well-rounded experience that keeps students motivated and engaged.

These programs also respond to family needs. In many cases, older children take care of their younger siblings while their parents work. Summer programs that support students’ ability to attend the program while taking into consideration parents’ schedules help increase attendance and engagement.

One successful example is the summer learning program at Boyle Heights’ PUENTE Charter Elementary School. Its free program, open to all area students, focuses on academics and offers enrichment classes and outdoor activities that prevent learning loss and close the opportunity gap. As part of its summer session, the school offers high school students programs that allow them to explore career interests or participate in community service projects. Students who complete the high school programs receive a stipend for their participation and commitment.

Ultimately, summer education programs are a vital tool in the effort to close opportunity gaps for the most vulnerable students and help level the playing field. By providing targeted academic support, culturally relevant curricula, family engagement, and addressing access barriers, these programs can significantly mitigate the effects of the “summer slump,” keeping students safe, engaged, and enjoying the summer season. Efforts across the state and in Los Angeles, in particular, make summer learning fun, impactful, and accessible to all. Parents can invest in their children’s academic future by taking advantage of summer educational opportunities offered by public schools by enrolling their children in these programs.