The Learning Bridge Summer Learning Fund
What Happens to Children During the Summer?
THE MANY OBSTACLES
In America, the lower a child’s family is on the economic scale, the more likely she/he will begin school without the basic knowledge that enables that child to succeed. Overwhelming evidence shows that children who enter Kindergarten lacking foundational skills are likely to remain behind throughout their educational careers. Witness the birth of the achievement gap.
Add to that the impact of COVID-19. Learning Bridge has faced staff shortages, high rates of student absenteeism and quarantines, and rolling school closures. Students and educators continue to struggle with mental health challenges, higher rates of violence and misbehavior, and concerns about lost instructional time.
Lastly, what about “The Summer Slide?” Summer learning loss, the phenomenon where young people lose academic skills over the summer, is one of the most significant causes of the achievement gap between lower and higher income youth. For many young people, the summer “opportunity gap” contributes to gaps in achievement, employment, and college and career success.
THE LEARNING BRIDGE SOLUTION
Our educational programs continue during the summer months. To diminish this gap and place every child on an even playing field, we must strive for every young child to develop to their maximum potential.
High-quality summer programs improve math and reading skills and build emotional skills of students. These are skills that will help them not only in school but also in their careers and life. This is even more important now as COVID-19 continues to impact our students who are ineligible for vaccination.
Here’s where the funding is spent:
Tuition underwriting (financial aid)
Purchase necessary outdoor equipment
Educational supplies for the Children
Support water-based activities
Teacher training via a Nature Explore Certification
Through the Learning Bridge Summer Learning Fund you have the opportunity to offer a hand to a student that needs extra attention. Children who spend their time in inspiring early childhood settings may fall in love with learning, and that affection will likely stay with them throughout their lives.
Extensive research shows that high-quality summer programs can make a difference in stemming learning loss and closing educational and opportunity gaps!