Learning about summer learning

Summer enrichment funding for every state was required in the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). The State of Summer Learning Grants: An Analysis of States’ Use of ARP Summer Enrichment published in July by the organization Education Reform Now contains a thoughtful analysis of state uses of the 1 percent summer enrichment set aside as well as any of the 2.5 percent of flex funds states had for additional investments.

The report evaluated whether states had a grant process designed to include: involving research based best practices, targeting the highest need populations, ensuring quality and continuous improvement, and coordinating with community-based partners. Researchers looked through available state plan data, scrolled through state education websites and reached out to states by phone or email to learn about their plans for and implementation of the funds.

The report, worth a read in its entirety, shares examples of state approaches to the areas they evaluated and came to four findings:

1. Deference to Local Control resulted in few research-based grant requirements
2. States split their focus between reengagement and academics
3. States had the ability to lean in on work with community-based organizations
4. Through targeted grant priorities, states were able to thoughtfully allocate their funds to the most disproportionately impacted
5. State departments of education feel rushed and overwhelmed

One particular highlight included the following assessment: “In many states across the country CBOs have long played a critical role in providing high-quality afterschool and summer programs -such as 21^st Century Community Learning Centers – and state DOEs (Departments of Education) are leaning on these organizations to leverage their expertise and connections to the community while also lessening the burden on overwhelmed school district staff.”

The report also emphasizes the important role community based organizations and statewide afterschool networks can play in increasing access to quality summer learning programs, stating:

States are actively working to develop and foster collaboration with community-based organizations (CBOs). At least 22 states are using some or all of their funds for summer grants to CBOs, including large organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs and YMCAs, as well as smaller local groups like Oakland Reach. Among those, four states—Arkansas, Georgia, Nebraska, and Washington—are tapping statewide afterschool networks as significant partners, drawing on their expertise and connections with communities and families. Additionally, 15 states are requiring collaboration between districts and local CBOs, with districts and CBOs in Oklahoma and Utah required to jointly apply for funding.

ARP ESSER Funds must be obligated by September 2024 so two more summers remain. Learn about some additional reporting on ARP summer programming in Minnesota and Maryland in our recent blog.