Launched in January 2022, the District Summer Learning Network started with 45 districts willing to rethink summer as a recovery strategy for young people whose lives were drastically disrupted by a global pandemic. Our first cohort collectively served more 2.5 million students and included large urban districts as well as smaller districts operating as a consortium in a rural pilot. We provided participating districts with coaching, professional development, and peer learning opportunities. In turn, districts designed programming that excited and inspired students; nurtured their social, emotional, and physical wellbeing; and introduced them to new interests, passions, and potential career pathways.
In fall of 2022, the network expanded to more than 100 districts. Our second year included a new pilot with five collaborating states, each of whom selected districts for participation. Our team also developed new tools to support summer design and planning.
Now, we continue to partner with both individual districts and state teams to plan summer learning programs rooted in evidence and designed for impact.
Our network is organized around key pillars: academic quality, partnerships, and whole child development. The growing summer learning evidence base shows that these pillars are critical for high-quality summer learning programs that lead to academic success and student well-being.
We partner with State Educational Agencies (SEAs) to help strengthen conditions for high-quality summer learning. State partners nominate districts to participate in the District Summer Learning Network and receive support from a dedicated coach to advance state summer learning goals.
Developed over the past two years, the model has grown and adapted to fit the needs of school districts across the country. Participating districts can access customized coaching and professional development.
Coaching sessions with a highly qualified DSLN coach are available.
Monthly cross-network learning opportunities aligned to the planning calendar (November-March).
Customizable resources that support summer design and implementation.
Meet the dedicated minds behind our vision – explore our staff bios and learn more about the passionate individuals driving our mission forward.
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization that mobilizes research, resources and relationships so that people everywhere can access the opportunities they need to lead full, healthy lives. Our staff of more than 2,000 experts work in over 50 countries around the world. In the United States, we work to improve the well-being of all Americans by focusing on what can help them succeed: education, employment and health.
AASA is the premier association for school system leaders and serves as the national voice for public education and district leadership on Capitol Hill. A professional community of more than 10,000 educational leaders, AASA and its members are committed to providing high-quality public education to all students.
DSLN is funded by The Wallace Foundation.
