Want to build a summer program that gets results?
Join the District Summer Learning Network
Or read on for more information about the program.
DSLN at-a-glance
Why districts join DSLN
- To improve student outcomes
- To increase attendance in summer programs
- To build stronger programs with proven practices
- To get support from peers and experts
What your district gets
- A comprehensive plan to strengthen your summer program
- Ready-to-use tools and templates
- Strategies to improve attendance and student outcomes
- Stronger internal capacity and sustainability
- Connection to peers leading summer learning change across the country
What your team will experience
No-cost core programming funded by The Wallace Foundation:
- Monthly professional learning sessions to build your summer plan
- Dedicated time to collaborate and problem-solve with peers
- Access to tools, templates, and resources from our team and other districts in the network
- Support to apply evidence-based practices to your district context
Your time commitment
- One two-hour professional learning session per month for five months
- Opportunities to present or discuss your district’s work to the network
- Optional additional sessions with one of our expert coaches
Don't take it from us. Here's what our members have said:
DSLN fosters collaborative learning communities where leaders across districts can exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and share solutions. This network has created a support system that encourages continuous reflection and the implementation of best practices across multiple schools.
Being a part of DSLN has shown me new ways to approach summer learning and planning in more thoughtful ways.
We wouldn’t be where we are without DSLN. […] The PD and evidence-based practices really changed us to be better.
Being in network with other districts across the country, but also in the same state has been crucial to helping us do better and serve scholars in a more robust way.
Great network and resources; our involvement has transformed our programming.
- Planning
- Sufficient time on task
- Academic curricula and instruction
- Positive summer climate
- Community partnerships
- Teacher selection and PD
- Student recruitment and attendance
- Enrichment activities
- Summer cost and funding
- Making summer a key part of district goals
Whether you're just getting started or ready to level up your summer programming, DSLN offers the tools and community to help you make summer a time of opportunity for all students.
Need some summer learning inspiration?
Find out how nine different districts that shine used DSLN’s support and resources to solve sticky challenges.
Get started in 2 minutes.
- Fill out our interest form.
- A DSLN team member will follow up.
Sign up by September 9 for the 26–27 year.
Not sure? There’s no commitment required. Fill out the interest form and our team will get back to you to answer any questions you might have.
Want more customized support?
Check out our optional coaching packages.
DSLN members have consistently identified coaching as the most powerful form of network support, enabling them to improve their summer learning programs measurably.
Here’s what some of our members have had to say about DSLN coaching:
[My coach] is a huge help in thinking about this critical work. I enjoy her as a thought partner. She shares resources, and is an expert I can trust.
[My coach] always provides actionable and valuable feedback. The coaching sessions help keep me on track and help me be more proactive.
Coaching helped us reflect, ask better questions, and make intentional decisions that strengthened the overall design and coherence of our summer program.
Coaching is crucial to our improvement! I value that more than all else, though everything else was helpful, too.
What coaching looks like
Why districts invest in coaching
- One-on-one support from a DSLN expert
- Guidance on applying network materials to your local context
- Help staying on track with planning and solving challenges
- Additional resources hand-picked to assist you
- Get a dedicated thought partner
- Fast-track program improvements
- Build internal capacity faster
- Receive expert feedback tailored to your needs
Flexible, customizable options to upgrade your DSLN experience with coaching
All prices can be discounted 15% for returning districts or new districts that sign up by October 15, 2026.
How to choose the right coaching package
- Choose Plus when you want targeted support without a large investment
- Choose Advanced when you need sustained support during planning and implementation
- Choose Premier when you’re making major changes and want a partner for the whole year
Still need help deciding? We’re happy to help! Fill out the interest form, and we’ll work with you to find the best fit for your needs.
Interested in coaching? Get started in 2 minutes.
- Fill out our interest form.
- A DSLN team member will follow up.
Sign up by September 9 for the 26–27 year.
Not sure? There’s no commitment required. Fill out the interest form and our team will get back to you to answer any questions you might have.
Site Visits
Appropriate for districts that want hands-on support:
- In the planning phase, including implementing professional learning, presenting to a board, facilitating planning, etc.
- In the implementation phase, observing across sites and giving feedback to improve next year’s summer learning
Costs include coaching time, travel, accommodation, meals, and incidentals. Total cost is variable based on site visit duration and travel requirements. Email summerlearning@fhi360.org to create a customized site visit.