DSLN Hub DSLN Insights Guide Districts that Shine

Districts that shine

DSLN districts find many ways to transform summer for their students.

Explore how nine districts are doing the work, approaching challenges like yours, and seeing positive student outcomes.

Six kids jump and dance in a tree-lined park. Stars pop up around the photo as the gif plays.
“In a rural community, summer programs are exceptionally important for students. Access and resource availability are limited here, which hinders students’ ability to continue learning and participating in extracurricular activities during the summer months. ELO-P allows us to provide programs in the community that are vital to supporting students during non-school days. It also allows us to invest in our staff by creating opportunities for everyone to get more out of summer.”

–DSLN participant

Children walk into Susan Moore Elementary School in Blount County, Alabama, to attend Dreamcatchers, a summer learning program offered by Blount County Schools. The district participates in the District Summer Learning Network, a nationwide project led by FHI 360. Photo credit: Bita Honarvar for FHI 360
Children walk into Susan Moore Elementary School in Blount County, Alabama, to attend Dreamcatchers, a summer learning program offered by Blount County Schools. The district participates in the District Summer Learning Network, a nationwide project led by FHI 360. Photo credit: Bita Honarvar for FHI 360

Overview

DSLN districts are urban and rural, large and small, representing 36 states from each region of the country. Because they know the power of summer learning to support students, each year they choose an audacious goal for advancing summer learning that reflects their unique needs and opportunities. In this section we spotlight nine districts that have seen exceptional results in implementing evidence-based practices and the DSLN pillars in different contexts. Check our their successes and find suggestions for how you can take action to strengthen your summer learning program.

Summer learning inspiration

Want to learn more about being a part of the network?

Find out how DSLN can help you improve your summer programs. Email us at summerlearning@fhi360.org

District Summer Learning Network

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.