From 2021–2025, FHI 360 built a network of districts and states to transform summer learning across the country.
In this guide, we share insights for districts, states, and partners who want to maximize the potential of summer learning. Find recommendations for transforming and sustaining programs, snapshots of bright spots in districts and states, and a step-by-step overview of how FHI 360 makes change happen.
See how DSLN professional development, coaching, and easy-to-implement tools are helping districts meet goals.
Find out how to continue offering rich summer learning programs that increase capacity and engagement far into the future.
Learn concrete steps you can take to imagine, plan, and create changes to your summer learning, resulting in more inspiring, rigorous, and enriching programs.
Read how state departments of instruction can support districts switching from remedial summer school to accelerated, engaging learning programs.
Explore how nine DSLN districts are doing the work, approaching challenges like yours, and seeing positive student outcomes.
In school year 24–25, we surveyed 65 districts to understand how their participation in DSLN impacted summer learning program planning and outcomes. Fifty-seven participants responded.
The infographics below display what we learned.
Planning
Teacher selection and PD
Sufficient time on task
Student recruitment and
attendance
Academic curricula and
instruction
Enrichment activities
Positive summer climate
Summer cost and funding
Community partnerships
Making summer a key part of
district goals
The FHI 360 team created DSLN to help districts and states rethink what they can do during the summer and to improve planning processes.
Almost all respondents told us that DSLN helped them improve their summer program in at least one area. Not surprisingly, planning was the most cited area of improvement (at 95%).
When participating in DSLN, districts set an audacious goal for summer learning; this process is district-owned and district-led. DSLN coaching and professional learning sessions help districts work towards that audacious goal.
Because districts choose what to focus on based on their needs and priorities, impacts can be wide-ranging. And as this list shows, improved planning is just one of the benefits of participating in DSLN.
What happens when you improve district planning and use of evidence-based summer learning practices? Our survey—and other research—shows that you see positive impacts for students, families, and staff.
While DSLN districts choose their own area of focus, survey respondents highlighted the following areas where they saw improvements due to participating in DSLN. Most DSLN districts saw improvement in multiple categories.
Our districts serve anywhere between 1,500 and 45,000 students. Imagine how many students across the country experienced more welcoming, more engaging, and more rigorous summer learning when their district focused on areas like these:
43 districts said that participating in DSLN helped their summer program improve positive climate and supportive environments.
35 districts said their participation in DSLN helped improve their district’s enrichment activities and their implementation in their summer program
33 districts said their participation in DSLN helped improve their district’s summer program in
Our member districts tell us they have seen increased demand for seats. Teachers and staff feel excited about the summer possibilities. And students want to attend.
What do these numbers mean? That programs are more sustainable. Districts across the country can rely on experienced, energized teachers coming back year-to-year to work with happy, engaged students and families. And students, many of whom need that support and sense of belonging the most, have a better chance to avoid the summer slide, catch up to their peers, and even accelerate beyond their current curriculum.
40 districts said working with DSLN increased staff interest and satisfaction with working in their summer programs
37 districts said working with DSLN increased student and family satisfaction with their summer programs
36 districts said working with DSLN increased interest in summer learning and demand for seats
Find out how DSLN can help you improve your summer programs. Email us at summerlearning@fhi360.org.
From 2021–2025, FHI 360 built a network of over 100 districts and states to transform summer learning across the country. Big changes happened.
Find out how DSLN’s insights can help you.
