When children from low-income households don’t have access to high-quality summer learning programs, they lose important academic skills.
Without access to these opportunities, low-income students can fall 2-3 grade levels behind their peers by the end of fifth grade.
When school is out, learning shouldn’t stop. High-quality summer learning programs help students maintain important academic skills while giving them opportunities to explore, create, connect and grow. United Way Summer Learning initiatives combines fun and learning so our children continue to thrive all summer long.
A Summer Full of Learning, Connection and Possibility
When school is out, summer learning gives students opportunities to keep learning, stay connected and simply be kids. In United Way Community Schools, summer programs create spaces where children can develop new skills, spend time with peers and access the resources they and their families need.
Across the Lehigh Valley, summer programs combine academic learning with hands-on activities, creative expression, field trips and enrichment. Students strengthen skills in reading, writing, math and STEM while participating in activities such as dance, arts and crafts and other experiences that encourage curiosity and creativity. These programs give children the opportunity to try something new, build confidence and experience the joy of learning beyond the traditional classroom.
And learning doesn’t happen only in the classroom. Summer programs help make sure children have access to nutritious meals, including additional food to take home to siblings who may need it. Staff and volunteers also help families connect with resources and create experiences that make children feel welcomed, supported and included.
For the adults helping make these experiences possible, the impact is just as clear. Summer associates and Community School Coordinators are creating opportunities for children to learn, experiment, connect and grow while supporting the families who rely on these community spaces.
Together, these programs give children more than a way to spend their summer. They create opportunities to strengthen academic skills, discover what they enjoy and develop the confidence to try new things. They also give families greater access to food, resources and community support when they need it most.
United Way’s investment in summer learning helps make these experiences possible across the Lehigh Valley, giving more children opportunities to learn, grow and stay connected when school is out.
“Making an investment in our children is making an investment in the totality of the community.”
Rev. Dr. Greg Edwards
Resurrected Community Development Corp. and
James Lawson Freedom School
Talk Read Sing inspires families to help children develop strong language skills through everyday interactions.
United Way Community Schools remove barriers to education, so students, families and communities can thrive.
Being able to read on grade level is one of the most important indicators of future life success.
In the News
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Thirty Years of Impact: The Alliance Playground Program at Central Elementary STREAM Academy Keeps Allentown Kids Connected
A summer tradition for 30 years, the Alliance Playground Program brings Allentown children together for meals, recreation, learning and friendship. The program continues today at Central Elementary STREAM Academy, serving around 100 students daily.
Why Summer Learning is important:
- Low-income students not engaged in summer learning fall 2–3 grade levels behind their peers by the end of 5th grade.
- Low-income children not reading at grade level by the end of 3rd grade are 13x more likely to drop out of school.