Let Summer Work for You
An Overview of the Summer Matters Campaign
Download our brochure to learn about the value of summer learning programs to students, educators, and communities. The brochure is available in both English & Spanish. Obtain high-quality, printed copies of the brochure by contacting the Summer Matters campaign.
Reducing Summer Learning Loss
Research shows that students experience measurable losses in math and reading skills during the summer months if they are not engaged. For low-income students, summer learning losses may lead to their skills being three grade-levels behind other students by the time they reach fifth grade.
Summer Matters is the first-ever statewide campaign focused on summer learning for all California youth. It’s goal is to engage students intellectually, emotionally and socially during the summer months to reduce learning loss and foster greater achievement. Our focus is on young people with the greatest need and fewest resources.
Our Progress
Since 2009, the campaign has worked on multiple fronts to bring innovative educational programs to California’s students. We’ve been active in several areas, including:
- Supporting legislation to fund flexible, year-round educational programs
- Piloting programs reaching more than 7,300 low-income students across the state
- Collaborating with school leaders to allocate funding from LCFF, Title 1 and other sources to summer learning initiatives.
- Raising awareness of the value of summer learning programs among millions of stakeholders
- Building a network of educators, business and civic leaders, parents and other advocates to grow access to these summer learning opportunities.
- Continuously improving the quality of summer learning programs to strengthen outcomes for students
What Summer Learning Programs Offer Students
- New ideas and activities to broaden their horizons
- Skill building opportunities
- Fun activities that engage their minds and bodies
- Team projects and collaborative learning to enhance social skills
Download the Summer Matters Campaign Overview to learn more about Summer Matters. Discover just how valuable Summer Learning programs can be and spread the word about Summer Matters.
Similar Resources
Diving Into Summer Learning ProgramsDecember 11, 2017 - 11:49 pmSummer learning programs are distinctively different from traditional summer school programs. For Nazaneen Khalilnaji-Otto, the Summer Matters campaign director at the Partnership for Children and Youth, one word sums up the difference between the summer learning model and summer school: “fun.” Summer learning takes on a “camp-like culture,” and these programs are generally open to all students, rather than only students seeking remedial or advanced coursework.
Last Chance to Nominate a Summer SuperheroSeptember 20, 2017 - 9:21 pmDo you know a Superintendent who has demonstrated extraordinary support for summer learning programs during the time between September 2016-September 2017? Can you help us find and celebrate this superhero? Summer Matters is looking for nominations for our Superhero award, given each year to California Superintendents who make summer learning matter in their districts.
2017 Summer Matters Road Trip Media CoverageAugust 25, 2017 - 10:31 pmThe Summer Matters Road Trip was huge this year! We traveled to programs in 15 different cities, spreading the word about the importance of summer learning. But don’t take our word for it, check out the media coverage of several of the stops on the road trip.
Website by 
