United Way: Summer Learning Program has a remarkable impact, and you can too
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- Children participate in a field trip to a fire station with the United Way Summer Learning Program.
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- A child works on writing skills as part of the United Way Summer Learning Program.
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- Two children work on reading as part of the United Way Summer Learning Program.
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- A young boy participates in a field trip to a fire station with the United Way Summer Learning Program.
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- A girl works on writing with a United Way Summer Learning Program volunteer.
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- Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County
Courtesy United Way of Utah County
Children participate in a field trip to a fire station with the United Way Summer Learning Program.
The end of a school year always has an air of excitement as children wrap up their classes, parents prepare for the summer ahead and plans are made for days of fun in the sun.
United Way is working hard to support the children in our community, 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 provide 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, cooking dinner together from a favorite recipe or visiting a museum. 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 each Friday.
Courtesy United Way of Utah County
A child works on writing skills as part of the United Way Summer Learning Program.
This year, United Way is thrilled to be able to offer additional summer learning opportunities through our two new United Way Centers in American Fork and Payson. These programs will be adapted to the size of the center and the needs of the individual communities.
These programs are made possible through dedicated teachers, aides and volunteers. This allows students to receive individual support and even translation services when needed.
Participants in last year’s Summer Learning Program saw significant increases in their math and reading skills. Seventy-five percent saw improved math outcomes, and 98% 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.
Courtesy United Way of Utah County
Two children work on reading as part of the United Way Summer Learning Program.
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, but it will also help them face life’s challenges with more resilience.
The impact of the Summer Learning Program on its participants is remarkable, and you can be a part of that impact. We need teachers, volunteers and sponsors to help us 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 to neighbors to teachers to volunteers, there is something each of us can do to make sure that our kids have the support they need to learn.
To learn more about how you can help support programs like the Summer Learning Program, please contact United Way of Utah County at 801-374-2588 or visit unitedwayu.org.
A young boy participates in a field trip to a fire station with the United Way Summer Learning Program.
A girl works on writing with a United Way Summer Learning Program volunteer.
Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County
