Summer learning loss—also known as the "summer slide"—is a well-documented phenomenon where students lose academic ground over the long break between school years. For many students, especially those from low-income families, the summer can be a time of regression rather than rest. Fortunately, afterschool programs and summer enrichment programs have emerged as powerful tools to combat summer learning loss, keeping kids academically engaged and emotionally supported during the out-of-school months.

Summer learning loss refers to the decline in academic skills and knowledge that students experience over summer vacation. Research shows that, on average, students lose about two months of reading skills and two and a half months of math skills over the summer if they are not engaged in educational activities.

Students from low-income families are particularly vulnerable because they often lack access to the same enrichment opportunities—like camps, museum visits, or travel—as their higher-income peers. This “opportunity gap” leads to a widening achievement gap that compounds year after year.

How Afterschool Programs Help

Afterschool programs, especially those that extend into the summer, are uniquely positioned to address this issue. Here's how they make a difference:

1. Academic Support

Quality afterschool programs incorporate STEM activities, literacy support, and project-based learning to keep students’ minds sharp. These programs often collaborate with certified educators to align content with school standards, ensuring a seamless academic experience.

Example: Horizons National: Horizons partners with independent schools and universities to offer a six-week summer program combining academics, arts, and swimming. In 2023, Horizons students gained an average of 6–10 weeks of reading and math skills during the summer, effectively reversing the typical summer slide.

Example: Project Exploration – Chicago, IL: Project Exploration’s summer science programs serve underrepresented students in STEM. Students participate in experiments, coding, and environmental science projects—keeping them intellectually active in an exciting, informal setting.

2. Enrichment and Exploration

Beyond academics, these programs offer hands-on learning experiences in art, music, sports, and science. This well-rounded approach helps students develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a love for learning.

Example: YMCA Summer Camp Programs: The YMCA offers a mix of physical activities, creative projects, and STEM learning.

Example: 4-H Summer Academies: 4-H runs county-based summer programs with themes like agriculture, science, and leadership.

3. Social and Emotional Development

Summer programs provide safe spaces where children build relationships, develop teamwork skills, and grow in confidence. This social-emotional learning (SEL) is essential for overall development and helps prepare students for the return to school.

Example: Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA): BGCA offers summer programming that combines academics with mentoring and SEL-focused activities. Their "Be There" initiative supports children facing trauma, helping them maintain emotional stability and readiness to learn.

4. Access and Equity

Afterschool and summer programs often operate in underserved communities and are free or low-cost. This ensures that all students, regardless of background, can benefit from high-quality learning opportunities during the summer months.

Example: 21st Century Community Learning Centers: Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, this program supports local schools and nonprofits in offering free academic and enrichment programs. In 2022, over 1.5 million students nationwide benefited from these centers during the summer months.

Numerous studies underscore the importance of summer programming:

• A report from the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) found that students who attend high-quality summer programs outperform peers in reading and math.
• According to RAND Corporation, students with consistent summer program attendance improved their academic performance significantly more than those who didn’t attend.
• The Afterschool Alliance reports that 83% of parents support public funding for afterschool programs, recognizing their role in both education and childcare.

Summer should be a time for growth, discovery, and development, not academic regression. Afterschool and summer learning programs are a key solution to preventing summer learning loss. By providing engaging, educational, and equitable experiences, these programs support students in reaching their full potential, year-round.