How States Are Expanding Quality Summer Learning Opportunities
A comprehensive analysis of successful policies and practices from nine states working to sustain and improve summer learning as federal pandemic relief funding winds down.
Report Overview
As federal pandemic relief funds wind down, states across the nation are finding innovative ways to sustain and expand summer learning programs that emerged during the Covid-19 response. This report examines how nine states built infrastructure and implemented strategies to ensure summer learning remains accessible and effective.
Why This Research Matters
- Federal American Rescue Plan funding created unprecedented opportunity to expand summer learning
- States developed new infrastructure and support systems during this period
- As these federal funds expire, states need sustainable strategies to continue programs
- Evidence shows well-designed summer programs produce positive outcomes for students
- Strategic state leadership can help districts maintain and improve summer learning access
Nine States Featured
🍑 Georgia
Whole-child approach through BOOST grant program
🎺 Louisiana
Statewide coordination and quality standards
🏛️ Massachusetts
Long-term investment in expanded learning
🚗 Michigan
Rural community partnerships and access
🌶️ New Mexico
Paid internships for career readiness
🌲 Oregon
Equity-focused program design
🎸 Tennessee
Legislated summer learning camps with perpetual funding
⭐ Texas
Evidence-based policy adoption at scale
🍁 Vermont
Community-based summer enrichment model
Five Key Areas for State Action
While summer learning in each state looked different, state actions to support summer learning generally fell into five categories:
1. Garnering Support for Summer Learning Investments
States articulated clear summer learning goals and linked them with broader state priorities. They built coalitions to secure buy-in and identified consistent funding sources.
Success Strategies
- Articulated clear goals aligned with state priorities
- Built coalitions across sectors to secure political support
- Identified consistent funding streams beyond federal relief
- Connected summer learning to broader education objectives
- Used data to demonstrate impact and build case for investment
2. Implementing Summer Learning Grant Programs
States developed and administered competitive grant programs to distribute funds to districts and community organizations, often with requirements for evidence-based practices and community partnerships.
Grant Program Features
- Simplified application procedures to reduce administrative burden
- Balanced requirements with flexibility for diverse providers
- Required evidence-based design and community partnerships
- Targeted funding toward obstacles like transportation and cost
- Used subgranting structures to reach more communities
3. Building Capacity and Supporting Quality
States provided technical assistance, professional development, and resources to help districts and providers implement high-quality programming.
Capacity Building Approaches
- Offered professional development for summer educators
- Created resource libraries and curriculum guidance
- Facilitated peer learning networks across districts
- Leveraged partnerships with afterschool networks and nonprofits
- Provided ongoing technical assistance to grantees
4. Expanding Access for Priority Student Groups
States used authorizing legislation and grant requirements to ensure summer learning investments reached students who would benefit most, including low-income students, English learners, and rural communities.
Equity Strategies
- Prioritized funding for underserved communities
- Addressed transportation barriers in rural areas
- Eliminated cost barriers for participating families
- Ensured culturally responsive programming
- Targeted outreach to priority student populations
5. Using Data to Drive Continuous Improvement
States collected and analyzed data on participation, program quality, and student outcomes to evaluate effectiveness and advocate for continued investment.
Data Use Practices
- Tracked participation rates and unmet demand
- Assessed program content and quality indicators
- Measured academic impact using standardized assessments
- Conducted surveys and site visits for qualitative insights
- Used data to inform policy decisions and program improvements
Spotlight: State Innovations
Tennessee: Legislated Summer Learning Camps
In 2021, Tennessee passed legislation requiring school districts to provide summer learning camps for priority students. The state has now allocated funding for grades 4 through 9 in perpetuity. In 2023, over 200,000 students attended the state's summer learning camps.
New Mexico: Paid Summer Internships
In 2021, New Mexico initiated a paid summer internship program to promote post-high school readiness. High school students worked in county or tribal agencies, gaining career experience while contributing to their communities. This aligns summer learning with the state's focus on career development and exploration.
Georgia: Whole-Child BOOST Grants
Georgia's Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) grant program takes a whole-child approach, integrating academic learning with enrichment activities. This model recognizes that summer programs can address multiple dimensions of student development.
Massachusetts: Long-Term Expanded Learning
Massachusetts has maintained consistent state investment in expanded learning opportunities, providing a foundation for summer programs even before pandemic relief funds. This long-term commitment demonstrates the value of sustained state leadership.
Common Success Factors
- Strong state leadership and clear vision for summer learning
- Partnerships across state agencies, nonprofits, and districts
- Commitment to equity and access for underserved communities
- Use of evidence-based practices and continuous improvement
- Political will and planning to sustain programs beyond federal funds
Policy Considerations for States
The report concludes with recommendations for states interested in expanding access to high-quality summer learning:
Strategic Investments
- Develop statewide vision: Create clear goals that connect summer learning to broader state education priorities
- Build sustainable funding: Identify consistent funding sources beyond one-time federal relief
- Leverage partnerships: Work with afterschool networks, nonprofits, and community organizations
- Address barriers: Target funding toward transportation, program costs, and provider capacity
Program Design
- Balance requirements with flexibility: Set quality standards while allowing diverse providers to participate
- Reduce administrative burden: Simplify application processes and reporting requirements
- Support rural communities: Address unique challenges of rural program delivery
- Prioritize equity: Use policy levers to reach underserved student populations
Quality and Capacity
- Provide technical assistance: Offer ongoing support to districts and providers
- Foster peer learning: Create networks for sharing effective practices
- Invest in workforce: Support professional development for summer educators
- Use data strategically: Collect and analyze data to drive improvement and advocacy
Looking Forward
- As federal relief funds sunset, states have opportunity to build on lessons learned
- Sustaining summer learning investments requires political will, planning, and leadership
- High-quality summer programs can help advance student academic and social growth
- Strategic state action can unlock potential of summer programs year-round
About the Research
Research Organization: Learning Policy Institute (LPI), a nonprofit, nonpartisan education research and policy organization
Funding: The Wallace Foundation, which seeks to improve learning and enrichment for young people and the vitality of the arts for everyone
Methodology: The study draws on interviews with education leaders from nine geographically and politically diverse states, conducted during the 2023-24 school year. Leaders represented state education agencies, governor's offices, state afterschool networks, and other nonprofits involved in summer learning.
Purpose: To understand policies and practices states have developed to expand access to high-quality summer learning, particularly as federal pandemic relief funding winds down.
Key Research Team
- Dr. Julie Fitz (Lead Author)
- Learning Policy Institute research staff
- Wallace Foundation program officers
Publication Date: January 2025
Why Read This Report?
- For State Policymakers: Concrete examples of successful policies and practices
- For District Leaders: Understanding of state-level support available
- For Advocates: Evidence to build case for summer learning investment
- For Researchers: Comprehensive case studies of state implementation
- For Funders: Insights into effective state infrastructure and support
Read the Full Report
Explore detailed case studies from all nine states and comprehensive policy recommendations.
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