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.