Summer Learning

Research shows that up to two-thirds of the achievement gap between low-income students and their higher income peers can be explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities.  Under the leadership of Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Boston is taking on this issue.  The Boston Opportunity Agenda, The Wallace Foundation, and others are investing in more than 1,500 new program slots to expand summer learning access.  Boston After School & Beyond and the Boston Public Schools co-manage this effort.   

Boston Summer Learning Project

Boston's approach to summer learning addresses the knowledge, skills, and experiences young people need to acquire in order to succeed in school, college, work, and life.  Schools draw on the strengths of teachers and leading program providers to provide a full-day, integrated learning experience.    

Each program employs a different mix of time, location, enrichment, and staffing based on the specific needs and interests of their children.  All are focused on the common goals of academic progress in math and language arts and improvement in specific skills (engagement, initiative, communication, and relationships with adults). 

Introducing the 2012 Summer Learning Project Partnerships

*Part of The Wallace Foundation’s national demonstration project. 3rd grade students identified though a lottery.