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States Keep Summer Learning Programs Going After Federal Money Ends
When COVID-19 hit, the federal government gave states extra money to create summer learning programs for kids. Now that money is running out, but nine states found smart ways to keep these programs going. The Learning Policy Institute and Wallace Foundation studied how states like Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Vermont are making summer learning work long-term. These programs help kids learn and grow during summer break, especially kids from low-income families. The states focused on five main areas: getting support and funding, creating grant programs for schools and community groups, training teachers and staff, making sure all kids can join (especially those who need help most), and using data to make programs better. Tennessee even passed a law requiring all school districts to offer summer camps. Other states partnered with community organizations and focused on career training. The research shows that when states plan carefully and work with many partners, they can keep high-quality summer programs running even without federal money. This matters because summer learning helps prevent kids from falling behind in school and gives them chances to explore new interests and build social skills.
March 5, 2026·Learning Policy Institute·The Change Lab
Article
When COVID-19 hit, the federal government gave states extra money to create summer learning programs for kids. Now that money is running out, but nine states found smart ways to keep these programs going. The Learning Policy Institute and Wallace Foundation studied how states like Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Vermont are making summer learning work long-term. These programs help kids learn and grow during summer break, especially kids from low-income families. The states focused on five main areas: getting support and funding, creating grant programs for schools and community groups, training teachers and staff, making sure all kids can join (especially those who need help most), and using data to make programs better. Tennessee even passed a law requiring all school districts to offer summer camps. Other states partnered with community organizations and focused on career training. The research shows that when states plan carefully and work with many partners, they can keep high-quality summer programs running even without federal money. This matters because summer learning helps prevent kids from falling behind in school and gives them chances to explore new interests and build social skills.
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