WHO WE ARE

The Summer Learning Collaborative (SummerCollab) is committed to providing enriching out-of-school time learning experiences for low-income & at-risk children, enhancing their academic skills & overall knowledge. We recognize that many children from underserved communities lack access to opportunities that foster growth & curiosity outside of the classroom. To address this gap, we offer engaging, hands-on programs designed to provide experiences students might not otherwise encounter. These opportunities go beyond academics, helping nurture social-emotional skills, self-confidence, & resilience.

Our programs are thoughtfully designed to make learning enjoyable & relevant. We focus on activities that naturally engage students, such as arts, sports, & outdoor exploration, while seamlessly integrating academic concepts. These activities may appear recreational, but they are purposefully crafted to foster learning in a way that feels fun & natural. By aligning academic content with students’ passions, we encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, & exploration.

At SummerCollab, we believe that learning should be a source of joy, not a chore. We encourage students and educators rediscover the excitement of learning through curiosity-driven activities that spark their imagination. By providing opportunities that promote both academic growth & personal development, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of learning. Our approach fosters curiosity, creativity, & confidence in students, empowering them to see learning as an enjoyable & continuous journey.

Ultimately, our goal is to cultivate a deep love of learning that extends beyond the classroom. We want students to leave our programs with a renewed sense of wonder, a passion for knowledge, & confidence in their ability to learn & grow. By providing meaningful opportunities & a supportive environment, we equip each child with the tools needed to succeed both in & out of school.

Our Vision:

We envision a world filled with: Imaginative, confident young people who believe in their unique talents, intelligence and unlimited possibility.

Our Mission:

We co-create youth programs that energize kids to love learning, play wildly, and believe in the power of their unique talents.

Our Values:

We are passionate, collaborative, and curious explorers.

We strive to be vulnerable, persistent, and inclusive learners.

We cultivate self-worth, self-discovery, and meaningful human connection.

Summer inequality contributes to a national crisis

Each year, approximately 1.2 million students fail to graduate from high school; more than half are students of color.

75% of parents want summer programs that keep their child from losing academic ground

47% of Delaware 3rd graders and 48% of 8th graders are not proficient in reading on state tests

Dramatically expanding learning and enrichment opportunities can change everything

Students in poverty often experience academic and cognitive lags driven by emotional and social challenges as well as acute and chronic stressors. Researchers have well documented the long-term and negative impact of these factors on academic achievement of low income youth and the need to combat that impact through enriching environments that meet the needs of the whole child. Today, community based institutions and schools across the country systematically offer food and recreational opportunities to low income students during afterschool hours and over the summer. More is needed. What if out-of-school time offered all kids an intentional culture of achievement, individualized instruction, and positive behavior support? What if summer and afterschool could help to transform the educational outcomes of our highest need students?

Our Commitment

To meet the needs of schools and community partners through the following:

Evidence based academic programming
Staff who are passionate about working with young people
Small group tutoring
A safe and nurturing environment for under resourced middle schoolers
Comprehensive staff training on trauma informed care and Social Emotional Learning through expert partners
Continuing education credits for licensed child care providers

Since 2013, Summercollab has helped districts and community based organizations meet the rising demand for high quality Out of School Time programs by:

Building the school community bridge: Engaging families, fostering relationships, and recognizing and promoting attendance to build positive school habits.
Lowering barriers to participation: Providing transportation and low-cost or no-cost programs to families in need.
Supporting the whole child: Using evidence based approaches to foster healthy social and emotional development and academic success.

We’re making a difference

As a result of our efforts, SummerCollab helped learning loss for 2,000 low-income students in Delaware. Rather than losing up to four months of reading competencies, our partnering agencies posted average reading gains of nearly four months of growth.

View Our Results