Event Marking National Summer Learning Day 2017 Will Be One of Hundreds Across the Nation Aimed at Keeping Kids Learning, Healthy and Safe this Summer
Tampa, FL – The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC), in partnership with The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County and the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA), will highlight the importance of summer learning opportunities at The DreamCatchers Program located at Roy Haynes Park, 1902 S Village Ave, Tampa, FL 33612, on July 13, 2017 at 11:00 am.
Local early learning and afterschool supporters will gather at University CDC’s DreamCatchers Program to receive the delivery of a proclamation by County Commissioner Sandra Murman, declaring July 13th as Summer Learning Day.
“Summer learning day is an annual reminder that summers matter and if we want our kids to do well in the school year ahead, our communities need to ensure students get the supports and services they need to continue growing and thriving over the summer,” said Dr. Steve Knobl, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition.
“The University Area CDC is so thrilled at the partnerships created through our DreamCatchers Summer Camp Program, where we are elevating the importance of keeping kids learning, safe and healthy every summer, ensuring they return to school in the fall ready to succeed in the year, said Sarah Combs, University Area CDC Executive Director/CEO. “In partnership with over 10 organizations, we are sending a powerful message across Tampa Bay that summers matter and
Led by the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA), National Summer Learning Day is an advocacy
day aimed at elevating the importance of keeping all kids learning, healthy and safe during the summer.
On this day each year, the country unites in advocacy efforts and celebrations hosted by hundreds of
partner organizations from libraries to parks and recreation centers and civic and non-profit groups – all
to promote awareness of the importance of keeping kids healthy and engaged during the summer. This
year’s goal is to reach two million youth across the country.
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www.elchc.org
DreamCatchers is showcasing how summers can make a life-changing difference in the lives of young people living in the University Area Community.”
Research shows that summers without quality learning opportunities put our nation’s youth at risk for falling behind – year after year – in core subjects like math and reading. The math and reading skills low- income students lose each summer are cumulative and contribute significantly to the achievement gap between lower- and higher-income kids. A survey conducted by NSLA, indicated that
Low-income youth also lose access to healthy meals over the summer. Six out of every seven students who receive free- and reduced-price lunches lose access to them when school lets out. And, research shows that children gain weight twice as fast over the summer compared to during the school year. Moreover, a lack of opportunity for meaningful mentorship and work experience prevents many older youth from successfully completing high school and entering post-secondary education or careers. See more at Summer by the Numbers.
The National Summer Learning Association is the only national nonprofit exclusively focused on closing the achievement gap by increasing access to high-quality summer learning opportunities. NSLA recognizes and disseminates what works, offers expertise and support for programs and communities, and advocates for summer learning as a solution for equity and excellence in education. For more information, visit www.summerlearning.org.
About the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC)
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summer vacation.
two-thirds of
teachers said they spend at least a month re-teaching students old material when they return from
NSLA’s Smarter Summers, Brighter Futures website supports promotion of National Summer Learning Day
with an events calendar, summer meals locator, and user-friendly resources for families, summer
programs providers, and municipal leaders – all to help keep kids healthy and engaged during the
summer break.
The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC) is a 501-C3 organization that specializes in
the funding and delivery of quality early childhood care and education and after-school programs and
services to the children and families of Hillsborough County. The ELCHC serves over 20,000 children each
day via its programs and services.