United Way: Summer Learning Program has a remarkable impact, but could do more with help
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- A United Way Summer Learning Program participant works on letters.
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- Two young boys practice reading while participating in the United Way Summer Learning Program.
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- A young student works on spelling at the United Way Summer Learning Program.
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- United Way Summer Learning Program participants enjoy a tour and demonstration from the Provo Fire Department.
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- Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County.
Courtesy United Way of Utah County
A United Way Summer Learning Program participant works on letters.
The start of a new school year is always an exciting time. Children get ready for new classes, parents prepare for new schedules and teachers put together classrooms for a new group of students. There are so many opportunities and possibilities awaiting students this school year, and we are so grateful for all the amazing teachers, school staff members and administrators for their hard work and dedication.
We are also grateful for the parents, neighbors and friends who have worked so hard to help their kids prepare for a new school year by providing learning activities and support throughout the summer.
Summer learning activities are such an important part of helping our children and youth retain all the knowledge they’ve learned in the past year and prepare for new educational opportunities in the fall. These activities can be as simple as setting time aside each day for reading, visiting a museum or cooking dinner together from a favorite recipe. These types of simple daily activities can reinforce essential reading and math skills for children and can help them feel excited about learning.
There are also many amazing summer learning programs that can provide additional educational opportunities. One of these programs is the Summer Learning Program at the United Way Center at South Franklin. This program offers reading, math, STEM and social-emotional classes to help kids improve their skills and resilience.
Each summer, more than 100 kids participate in Summer Learning. In addition to their classes, participants in the program receive a free lunch and healthy snack each day and go on a field trip every Friday. There are two different age groups for participants: grades one through three and grades four through six. This allows participants to benefit from smaller class sizes and tailored instructional methods.
Courtesy United Way of Utah County
Two young boys practice reading while participating in the United Way Summer Learning Program.
This program is made possible through dedicated teachers, aides and volunteers. This year, two math specialists, two reading educators and a teacher specializing in social-emotional development taught classes. Dedicated aides also supported each class. This allows students to receive individual support and even translation services when needed.
Participants in this year’s Summer Learning Program saw significant increases in their math and reading skills. Seventy-five percent saw improved math outcomes. Ninety-eight percent maintained or improved their personal reading levels, with many kids improving by two or more grade levels.
Parents also reported that after the Summer Learning Program, their children more frequently engaged in reading activities. These results not only show how effective the Summer Learning Program is but also how it helps the kids get ready for the next level of classes. One parent said, “I love how this prepares the kids to start school in the fall.”
The Summer Learning Program doesn’t just focus on helping kids increase their math and reading skills. The social-emotional class helps kids learn healthy skills for handling conflict and managing their emotions. After the class, participants showed increased confidence and ability to cope with emotions. When asked what they learned in the class, one participant said, “I learned that having emotions is a part of life we cannot control sometimes, but we can control how we react. I also learned the more you take care of yourself, the more you will love yourself.”
That type of awareness and confidence will not only help children in school, it will help them face life’s challenges with more resilience.
Courtesy United Way of Utah County
A young student works on spelling at the United Way Summer Learning Program.
The impact of the Summer Learning Program on its participants is remarkable, and United Way of Utah County would love to expand the program to additional locations. By expanding the program to new locations such as the new United Way Center in Payson, the Summer Learning Program would be able to impact hundreds more children and families in our community. In order to expand this program next year and for years after, we need your help. We need teachers, volunteers and sponsors to help provide this resource to families across Utah Valley.
Helping our children and youth learn to love learning and succeed in school is something that all of us can do. From parents and neighbors to teachers and volunteers, there is something each of us can do to make sure our kids have the support they need to learn — during the summer and during the school year.
To learn more about how you can help support programs like the Summer Learning Program, contact United Way of Utah County at 801-374-2588.
United Way Summer Learning Program participants enjoy a tour and demonstration from the Provo Fire Department.
Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County.
