Every summer, low-income students in Delaware (and across the country) lose the equivalent of 3 months of learning. In the meantime, their affluent peers have access to rigorous academic, sports, arts, and tech activities, camps and programs. For this reason, summer is the most unequal time of the year, accounting for up to two-thirds of the academic achievement gap between low income and high income students.

The problem is compounded for middle school students. At earlier ages, students have access to programs at local community centers. However, these community based institutions rely on Purchase of Care funds to be able to serve their low-income students. Unfortunately, students age out of eligibility for POC reimbursement at age 12. For this reason, there are almost no programs available to low-income middle school students. At the same time, middle school students are more likely to be exposed to risk factors for youth violence than younger children. So, at the exact time that our children need the most, they are being provided with the least.

SummerCollab is addressing this inequity. Every summer, the campers that are farthest behind academically are making major gains in STEM and literacy. The overwhelming majority (80%) show growth in reading comprehension skills. Campers also make gains in leadership skills, personal skills, and self-regulation.

With your support, we can DO MORE - we can reach more youth and have a greater impact on their academic and life success.