The Boston Summer Learning Project
The Boston Summer Learning Project (SLP) is the flagship initiative of the Boston Summer Learning Community. The Boston SLP began when a group of city leaders pondered what would happen if the best of youth development was combined with the best in academic-year education. The setting: summertime. In summer 2015, 16 SLP sites (part of the wider Boston Summer Learning Community) feature certified academic teachers and community non-profit staff co-delivering full-day, 5-week summer learning experiences for high-need students.
The SLP’s approach to providing rigorous and engaging experiences serves as a model for high quality summer learning locally and nationally. In 2013, the SLP won the New York Life Excellence in Summer Learning Award through the National Summer Learning Association.
The SLP has four main goals:
reverse summer learning loss in ELA and math
help students develop the vital social-emotional skills that research supports are necessary for school, college, and career success
strengthen year-round school-community partnerships through high quality programming
promote student health and wellness
SLP partnerships are funded through private philanthropy, Boston Public Schools, and cost-sharing fundraising from the participating community partners. This community approach to funding reflects the ambitious efforts of teachers and enrichment staff working together to stem summer learning loss and provide students the knowledge, skills, and experiences for success.
