While some families look forward to visiting with family or friends, others look forward to participating in extracurricular summer activities.
This summer, nearly 50 nonprofits are partnering with San Diego Foundation and San Diego Unified School District to provide up to 10,000 San Diego Unified students with the opportunity to participate in Level Up SD’s fourth year of programming.
Level Up SD is an expanded learning program that provides social-emotional learning support for students, works to decrease the achievement gap, and offers affordable childcare for working parents. Expanded learning is also referred to as out-of-school-time learning, and can take place after the school day ends or during school breaks, such as spring, summer or winter breaks.
This year’s focus for Level Up SD is to provide programming to priority students, including English learners, foster youth, students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, or students with disabilities.
Goodbye, Learning Loss
Though summer is a time for students to rest and recharge, it is important that students have the opportunity to engage in educational activities that combat learning loss. This is especially true for students who are furthest from opportunity, such as English learners, foster youth, students with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness.
Studies have shown that students experience a loss of mathematics and reading knowledge during summer break, which only increases as they progress through school. San Diego Unified data shows that, overall, students who have participated in Level Up SD summer programming demonstrated larger gains in reading and math proficiency than non-participants.
“Research shows that high-quality summer learning programs accelerate learning, help minimize the opportunity gap for students who face challenges throughout the school year and nurture a sense of community and belonging among students,” said Pamela Gray Payton, SDF Chief Impact & Partnerships Officer.
With the help of 49 local nonprofits, students will have the opportunity to not only apply their education skills outside of the classroom but also engage in unique activities such as theater and dance, science and robotics, outdoor activities, and sports.
Building Community
Level Up SD programs decrease the learning loss that comes with summer vacation and foster feelings of belonging and community for students. The nonprofit partners provide programming and activities that empower students and encourage building connections among their peers and within their community.
“This summer, students can explore their interests, such as learning to play an instrument, engaging in ocean exploration, or participating in athletics, while fostering a sense of community and belonging,” said Dr. Lamont Jackson, Superintendent of San Diego Unified.
With many activities rooted in what makes San Diego unique, students can explore their own backyard and gain a deeper appreciation for their community.
Not Your Average Childcare
For many working families, the school year provides guaranteed childcare during the workday. However, when summer break approaches, these families are often faced with the challenge of finding affordable childcare.
Level Up SD nonprofit partners offer summer academic and enrichment opportunities at no cost, reducing the stress that can come with summer vacation. These programs allow families to work with peace of mind, knowing their children have a safe place to go while engaging in activities built to help their children thrive.
Recharged and Ready to Go
Level Up SD ensures students return to school more prepared than ever and ready for the new school year. The programs provided to these students help overcome the learning loss due to summer break and help students build strong connections with their peers and their community, all while alleviating the stress of finding childcare during the summer.
With summer just around the corner, Level Up SD nonprofit partners are ready to make it another memorable summer.
