What is the connection between the “summer learning network” and the Summer Matters campaign?
The Summer Matters campaign is exploring the development of a summer learning network in California.
The vision of the Summer Matters campaign is to “ensure that all children in California have access to high quality summer learning opportunities.” In the spirit of summer learning – exploration, active learning and engagement – we are launching the network and learning as we go. We are excited about having an ever-growing number of people and organizations actively involved in spreading summer learning across the state.
What do you mean by summer learning?
Summer learning is the sweet spot between summer camp and summer school. Summer learning programs provide fun and engaging activities and experiences for kids that are also intentional about learning. High-quality summer learning includes a wide variety of activities, helps youth build mastery, fosters cooperative learning, broadens youth horizons, promotes healthy habits, and lasts at least a month. The video, “Summer Learning: an inspiring alternative to summer school,” highlights the characteristics and benefits of summer learning.
Who can become part of the network?
Anyone who is interested in working to increase the quality, the quantity, and/or the accessibility of summer learning programs to kids in California is invited to join this exploration.
Who is leading the network?
Right now the Leadership Learning Community (LLC) is stewarding the process of supporting people and organizations interested in a network approach. Part of the exploration will include discussing a variety of governance models.
This is an action-learning experiment for everyone. This is an invitation for any interested party to lead, to do whatever it is you dream up so that more and more children in California can have a positively transformational summer learning experience.
What is the purpose of the network?
The hope is that a summer learning network in California will:
- engage more actors and influencers to support the goal of increasing the quality and access to summer learning programs for youth in California,
- provide opportunities for innovation,
- maximize and leverage resources of the summer learning field, and
- create a virtual and collaborative learning space for advocates and practitioners to promote summer learning.
How do I find resources and tools to develop a summer learning program?
You can find tools and resources for to improve or start a summer learning program at the Summer Matters campaign website.
How do I get involved or find more information about the summer learning network?
To find out how to join us on this network adventure, please visit the summer learning network website.
If you have further questions, please contact Nazaneen Khalilnaji-Otto, Summer Matters Campaign Director at nazaneen@partnerforchildren.org.
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