Summer Learning Programs: A New Approach to Education in Philadelphia
As the sun beats down on North Philadelphia, 13-year-old Ra’laya Myers finds herself eager to attend school despite the heat. “Everybody is like, literally, family here,” she shares, describing the environment as “a safe space.”
Ra’laya is among the 5,200 students from the School District of Philadelphia participating in the Summer Achievers program, a complimentary six-week camp designed for students from first to eighth grade.
“You’re not just sitting here learning like it’s regular school. You’re having fun while you’re learning,” Ra’laya notes, highlighting the program’s engaging approach.
The program structure includes morning sessions focused on math and English language arts, while afternoons are filled with activities ranging from arts and crafts to sports. Weekly excursions, such as trips to aquariums, are also part of the schedule.
This initiative came into existence as a response to the educational setbacks caused by the pandemic. The School District of Philadelphia, like many others nationwide, utilized federal relief funds to expand summer programs and support student recovery.
Between 2021 and 2024, the federal government allocated approximately $10 billion for after-school and summer learning programs, according to the nonprofit Afterschool Alliance. However, with this funding largely expired, schools face decisions about the future of such programs.
A national survey reveals that 66% of superintendents intend to maintain their summer learning budgets, while 16% plan to increase spending, and 18% will reduce it.
Complicating matters, the Trump administration recently paused over $6 billion in federal education grants, though it later announced intentions to release funds for summer and after-school programs. However, President Trump’s proposed budget for fiscal 2026 excludes these funding streams, leaving their future uncertain.
Collaborative Efforts in Philadelphia
To continue the Summer Achievers program post-federal funding, the School District of Philadelphia partnered with the city, investing approximately $9.5 million together in this year’s program.
“We are so lucky that our district and our city both recognized that this cannot be something that is completely lost,” Abbey Gunn, executive director for the Office of Student Life, states.
Operating across 59 school locations, the district supplies teachers and materials, while the city collaborates with local nonprofits to provide engaging activities.
Gunn highlights the importance of collaboration, as nonprofit staff work alongside district teachers, each contributing their expertise.
In one classroom, nonprofit employee Cheryl Brown partners with teacher Julia Gerson to provide a balanced mix of academics and “brain breaks,” short activities designed to rejuvenate students.
“They just need that five, 10 minutes to just like, you know, just shake the willies off,” Brown explains. “And then they’re ready to get back to work.”
Math teacher Eric Domzalski, working with Launch of Philadelphia employee Amir Simmons, notes the high attendance and enthusiasm of students. “They’re learning math, reading, but also life lessons that we’re teaching them every single day,” he says.
Boston’s Influence on Philadelphia’s Initiative
The Summer Achievers program draws inspiration from a Boston model that integrates academics within summer activities.
“In Boston, we have tried to make the entire city a classroom, so we’re focused on every neighborhood,” Chris Smith, executive director of Boston After School & Beyond, explains.
In Boston, nonprofit employees collaborate with teachers to offer activities like sailing in the Boston Harbor, combined with math lessons related to navigation.
Smith’s organization assesses the program’s success through surveys and other metrics. Last summer, approximately 17,000 students participated, with an average attendance rate of 86%, and reported growth in critical thinking and communication skills.
Smith is collaborating with Philadelphia to develop similar evaluation metrics for the Summer Achievers program.
Effective Summer Learning Practices
While it’s too early to measure the impact of Philadelphia’s Summer Achievers program, Megan Kuhfeld, a research scientist with NWEA, believes it aligns with best practices for effective summer learning.
Successful programs should be accessible, include academics, span at least six weeks, provide full-day care, and be enjoyable, Kuhfeld advises.
Programs meeting these criteria can positively, though modestly, impact student achievement, according to Kuhfeld’s analysis.
Ra’laya Myers echoes this sentiment, sharing how Summer Achievers has helped her develop leadership skills she struggled to gain in regular school.
Reflecting on her experience, Ra’laya says she’d “probably [be] in the house, bored,” if not for the program, appreciating the sense of community and purpose it provides.
