Greater Atlanta - GSAN
summer matters: a community landscape reportgreateratlantaAcross Greater Atlanta, children and youth are being served byprivate and public entities that offer academic, STEM, literacy, healthand wellness, social-emotional, sports, and arts programming.
iIn 2018, the United Way of Greater Atlanta and the GeorgiaStatewide Afterschool Network (GSAN) commissioned theNational Summer Learning Association (NSLA) to conducta landscape assessment of summer learning programs inthe Atlanta region. This report summarizes key data pointsfrom that assessment.
introSUMMER LEARNING IN GREATER ATLANTAAcross Greater Atlanta, children and youth are being served by privateand public entities that offer academic, STEM, literacy, health andwellness, social-emotional, sports, and arts programming. Persistentgaps in educational outcomes still exist between low-income studentsand their more affluent peers.Of the 1.3 million children living in the Greater Atlanta region, nearlyhalf a million children live in communities with low or very low childwell-being. Nearly a quarter of them are living in poverty. Less than halfof 3rd graders are exceeding 3rd grade reading standards and less thanhalf of 8th graders are exceeding 8th grade math standards, while only80% of high school students are graduating.There are many root causes for achievement gaps including lack ofquality early childhood education, low literacy rates, suspension orexpulsion from school, developmental delays and disability, lowparental literacy, exposure to childhood trauma, and poor schoolattendance—often due to illness or lack of transportation. Oftenoverlooked is summer learning loss as a major factor contributingto the achievement gap.Summer presents myriad opportunities for most middle- and highincome children and youth like family vacations, museum trips, summercamps, and access to books and learning materials. The largest-eversummer learning study conducted by the RAND Corporation foundthat it was clear that low-income students experienced more setbacksover the summer compared to their wealthier peers. Most studentslose two months of mathematical skills, and low-income studentstypically lose another two to three months in reading every summer.Without access to summer learning programs, children and youthcan also lose other vital supports including access to healthy meals,academic enrichment, social and emotional support, arts, sports, andconnections to healthcare. Many communities invest in high qualitysummer learning programs and camps to ensure all children, regardlessof identity or income, have the opportunity to stay engaged, learning,and thriving during the summer months.This report highlights the findings of a community assessment of theGreater Atlanta region’s summer learning landscape during 2018. Theassessment offers a snapshot of existing summer programs, includingdata on youth served and types of programming offered. Additionally,a self-assessment of Greater Atlanta’s summer learning system wascompleted by key partners. Together these assessments create anopportunity to learn more about the range of summer opportunitiesavailable, gaps in services or data, and steps that can be taken toincrease region-wide impact.KEY FINDINGSCOMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS OF GREATER ATLANTA REGION1Total Regional Population4.6 millionTotal Regional Child Population1.3 millionPercent of Students Exceeding 3rd Grade Reading Standards44.1%Percent of Students Exceeding 8th Grade Math Standards46.7%High School Graduation Rate80.3%Percent of Children in Poverty24.2%Percent of Families Not Financially Stable31.3%Percent of Enrolled in Post-Secondary Education75.6%Unemployment Rate10.2%The most common content areasprovided by summer programswere Academic Enrichment (71%),STEM (60%), andLiteracy/Reading Skill (51%).Only a quarter of the programsserved high school youth. Olderyouth need access to opportunitiesfor internships and apprenticeships,college and career readiness,and financial literacy.The most common barrierto enrollment was youth findingtransportation to andfrom the program.1 United Way of Greater Atlanta, Stakeholder Report 2018summerlearning.org1
discoversummer learning in greater atlanta2018 SUMMER PROGRAM SITESCHILD WELL-BEINGVERY LOW2AVERAGEsmarter summers. brighter futures.VERY HIGHPROGRAM SITE
summer matters: a community landscape report greater OGRAMS51,073YOUTH SERVEDGREATER ATLANTA SUMMER PROGRAM THEMES & FOCUS AREASPROGRAM CONTENT AREASThe most commoncontent areas providedby Atlanta summerprograms were AcademicEnrichment (71%), STEM(60%), and Literacy/Reading Skills (51%).Very few programsoffered Summer Jobs/Career Explorationor Financial Literacy.These activities tend tobe offered to older youth,and fewer programsserved those age groups.Academic Enrichment71%STEM60%Literacy/Reading Skills51%Health & Wellness47%Social-Emotional Learning44%Sports/Recreation41%Crafts38%Visual & Performing Arts33%Cultural Enrichment25%Civic Engagement/Community Service23%Family & Parents Activities22%College Readiness21%Mentoring20%Services for Students with Special Needs17%Academic Remediation/Credit Recovery17%Job/Career Readiness15%Summer Jobs/Career Exploration8%Financial Literacy7%GRADESMost Atlanta summerprograms servedelementary-aged youth.Third and fourthgraders had accessto 129 programs, whileyouth at both endsof the age spectrumhad far fewer programsserving these criticaltransition periods.PERCENT OF PROGRAMSNUMBER OF PROGRAMS SERVEDPreschool, K46Grades 1–2119Grades 3–4129Grades 5–6119Grades 7–880Grades 9–1066Grades 11–1257Transition to College15summerlearning.org3
discover: summer learning in greater atlantaacademic instructionMost programs offered a significant amountof academic instruction time each day.Incorporating 2-3 hours per dayis often enough to produce measureablegains in reading or math.AMOUNT OF ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION30 MINUTES OR LESS30-60 MINUTES60-90 MINUTESMORE THAN 90 MINUTESNO ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION4smarter summers. brighter futures.% OF PROGRAMS5%31%11%44%9%HOW FAMILIESFIND THE PROGRAMBARRIERS TO ENROLLMENTWORD OF MOUTH91%TRANSPORTATIONTO AND FROMTHE PROGRAM29%ORGANIZATION ORPROGRAM WEBSITE76%LACK OF AWARENESSOF THE PROGRAM’SSERVICES24%MAILERS OR FLYERS68%COMPETINGPROGRAMS24%THROUGH SCHOOLDISTRICT, TEACHERS,OR SCHOOLCOUNSELOR66%PARTICIPATION FEES/COST OF ENROLLING10%PROGRAMORIENTATIONOR OPEN PHONE CALLS43%NOT SURE9%PROGRAMANNOUNCEMENTPOSTED INLIBRARIES,NEWSPAPERS32%FAMILY SCHEDULES4%29%PROGRAM SERVICESDID NOT ADDRESSTHE NEEDS OFSTUDENTS/FAMILIESIN THE COMMUNITY3%GSAN’S OUT OFSCHOOL TIME MAP7%LACK OF RESOURCES(FINANCIAL ORHUMAN)3%877-ALL-GA-KIDS(QUALITY CAREFOR CHILDREN)3%ONLINE SUMMERPROGRAM DATABASE
summer matters: a community landscape report greater atlantameals served83NO. PROGRAMSBREAKFASTLUNCHSUPPER/DINNERSNACKDON’T PROVIDE MEALS1166944038%33%OF ORGANIZATIONSMEASUREDACADEMIC DATA25%OF IMPACTOF ORGANIZATIONSMEASUREDHEALTH & WELLNESSDATA7%OF ORGANIZATIONSNOT SUREnumber of programsoperating per calendar weekMAY’18Three-fourths of programs reported serving at least one meal.Of those that did, 94% served lunch and 66% served breakfast andlunch. A quarter of programs did not serve a meal or snack. Summerprograms are often the only consistent source of meals for youth whoreceive free breakfast and lunch at school during the rest of the ProgramsWeekTRANSPORTATION OPTIONS6PROGRAMS PROVIDEMARTA BUS/RAILTICKETS29PROGRAMS PROVIDEIN-HOUSETRANSPORTATION11PROGRAMS ARENEAR PUBLICTRANSPORTATION12PROGRAMS PROVIDECONTRACTEDSERVICE46PROGRAMS DO NOTPROVIDETRANSPORTATIONAUG’18 16% OPERATED PROGRAMS 4 WEEKS OR LESS 49% OPERATED PROGRAMS 5-8 WEEKS 34% OF PROGRAMS OPERATED 9 OR MORE WEEKSThe majority of Atlanta summer programs operate duringJune and July, with fewer programs being open right afteror before the school year. While there is good coverage in thenumber of programs that are offered throughout the summer,there also seems to be good coverage throughout the day,as most organizations reported either offering a full day ofprogramming or partnering with other organizations to do so.summerlearning.org5
actionTHE COMMUNITYINDICATORS OFEFFECTIVE SUMMERLEARNING SYSTEMSDeveloped in 2013, NSLA’s CommunityIndicators of Effective Summer LearningSystems (CIESLS) rating scale is basedon the theory that effective summerlearning systems can provide moresummer learning opportunities foryouth, improve program quality, andimprove outcomes for youth throughcoordinated and collaborative actionat the community level.Based on research on system-building,best practices in existing afterschooland summer systems, and a survey ofcommunity intermediaries and programproviders, NSLA developed a set of 39indicators that define the size, scope,and features of summer learningsystems. These indicators are usedto measure community progress inachieving system-building milestonesin each of the rating scale’s six domains:1 Shared Vision and City-wideCoordination1SHARED VISION AND CITY-WIDE COORDINATIONA shared vision for summer learning, which informs a community-widesummer learning action plan, should coordinate the efforts of a diverse groupof stakeholders and support community-wide collaboration. Some organizationshave plans for their own summer learning programs and the Summer OpportunitiesWorkgroup, consisting of a few key players, meets several times a year, but there is nocommunity-wide summer learning action plan with shared goals or activities. There isnot enough representation from the community due to many reasons including a lackawareness of the initiative, a lack of coordinated efforts, and a need for more resources.Recommendation: NSLA recommends that the region develop a community-widesummer learning vision to engage the broader community, including local educationagencies, businesses, private donors, and civic and community leaders. The first stepto starting the conversation can be convening stakeholders to discuss the results ofthe community landscape report.2ENGAGED LEADERSHIPSuccessful summer learning system-building requires community stakeholdersand champions to advocate for summer programming, coordinate progress towardssummer priorities, and share accountability for the development and implementationof the summer learning action plan. There are a few strong leaders in summer learning,but there is no systematic engagement of leadership. There is a need to identify summerlearning champions and leaders from various stakeholder groups and from all localitiesto build a strong systems-level approach.2 Engaged LeadershipRecommendation: NSLA recommends that current summer leadership expand theirengagement from the program to system-level and engage additional key stakeholders3 Data Management Systemacross a variety of sectors.4 Continuous Quality Improvement5 Sustainable Resources6 Marketing and Communications6Key stakeholders in the Greater Atlantaarea were asked to self-assess thecurrent state of the region’s summerlearning system based on the CIESLS.Their assessment is discussed below.smarter summers. brighter futures.
summer matters: a community landscape report greater atlanta3DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEMModel summer learning systems implement processes for datacollection, sharing, and analysis across stakeholders. While someGreater Atlanta stakeholder groups have standardized processes fordata collection and evaluation in place at the program-level, there is noregional consensus on common data points nor a process for collectingdata at the community-level. A data sharing agreement with the schooldistrict is being explored at the program-level but remains a complexgoal to achieve.Recommendation: NSLA recommends that the region examine thebenefits and challenges of current data collection processes and identifycommon data points that can be standardized and systematicallycollected across multiple providers.4CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENTExemplary summer learning systems adopt a process for qualityimprovement at both the systemic and programmatic levels. Whilesystems of quality improvement, including the Georgia Afterschool& Youth Development Quality Standards and Self-Assessment andQuality Ratings, exist in Georgia, there is no consistent adoption or useof program quality measures or an assessment tool across the region.Respondents identified a need for more professional developmentopportunities, including training on how to conduct assessments anduse the resulting data for program improvement.Recommendation: NSLA recommends developing a shared programquality framework. This should include adopting common standardsand tools to assess the quality of summer programs across the regionand increase professional development opportunities.5SUSTAINABLE RESOURCESCommunity system-building around summer learning shouldconsider the funding targets and strategies for both programdevelopment and growth, and system capacity-building. There isprivate, public, and local funding available for programmatic work,but it is not meeting the needs of all communities and is limited forcapacity building and systematic work. Current funders do notcommunicate systematically, leading to gaps in funding for certaintypes of programs and geographic locations. There is a need to expandfunding for areas lacking summer learning opportunities.Recommendation: NSLA recommends that the region identify gapsin funding and sources being underutilized by mapping currentsummer funding including the following sources: private foundations,businesses, and local, state, and federal funding. NSLA also recommendsbuilding a transparent community-wide funding process for summerprograms that may include an intermediary.6MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONSExemplary summer learning systems identify community-widestrategies to understand the demand for summer, build awarenessof need and available resources, and support student recruitmentand enrollment. Efforts to create centralized resources with currentprogram information exist, but there is a need for more intentional,year-round community and family engagement strategies. There isalso a need for shared messaging and advocacy to support awarenessbuilding and promotion of a community-wide action plan.Recommendation: NSLA recommends developing shared messagingaround the importance of high-quality summer learning opportunities.This message should include input from a variety of stakeholder groups.summerlearning.org7
wheredo we gofrom here?High quality summer learning programs support the positivedevelopment of the whole child and can be a key strategy toimproving child well-being. Greater Atlanta has an opportunityto be a leader in this space, but greater investment andinfrastructure are needed to truly move the needle.To ensure that all of Greater Atlanta’s youngpeople, particularly those most in need,have access to high quality summer learningopportunities, it is imperative to:EXPAND FUNDINGCurrently, not all young people have access to highquality summer learning opportunities. Increased andmore coordinated funding from public and private sourcesis necessary to fill gaps in access and ensure quality ofprogramming.ENGAGE LEADERSHIPCreate a Summer Learning Council to develop a sharedcity-wide summer learning agenda. Critical voices includecity and state officials, school districts, businesses, funders,program providers, childcare, and non-profits.The Greater Atlanta region needs to fulfillthese two criteria to be properly equippedto tackle the following next steps to increaseaccess and strengthen the quality of GreaterAtlanta’s summer learning landscape.TARGETED FUNDINGDedicate funds to target gaps in summer learning to ensureaffordability of programs, geographic diversity, and diversity ofprogram type and ages served.CREATE INTERMEDIARYInvest in an intermediary to lead the shared city-wide summer learningagenda including providing shared professional development,resources, and communications.QUALITY IMPROVEMENTAdopt a common continuous quality improvement framework, includingquality standards, an assessment tool, training, and technical assistance.SOLVE TRANSPORTATION ISSUESCreate more partnerships among summer providers with school districtsand public transportation to improve access and student retention.DATA SHARINGCreate data sharing measures to track program reach, identify servicegaps, and develop shared metrics for youth outcomes.EXPAND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIESIncrease the variety and availability of programs offered to youthduring the summer by: Offering programming right after and before the school year inMay and August to ensure continuity of learning; Providing meaningful learning opportunities for older youthincluding internships and apprenticeships, college and careerreadiness preparation, and financial literacy classes; Ensuring the coordination of aligned wrap-around supports, suchas summer meals and connections to health and mental services.8smarter summers. brighter futures.
participating organizationsAction MinistriesFabricate StudiosLithonia’s Child Summer Camp ProgramAfter-School All-StarsFAMILY SUPPORT CIRCLE, INCLittle Ones Learning CenterAgape Youth and Family CenterFayette County Parks and RecreationLive Healthy GwinnettAgnes Scott Athletics Summer Sports CampFugees Family, Inc.Marietta Police Athletic League, Inc.Alliance TheatreFun Creative WritinMichael C. Carlos MuseumAtlanta Public Schools - Afterschool andSummer ProgramsFuture FoundationNew American PathwaysFuture Seekers, Inc.Next Generation Focus, Inc.Atlanta Public Schools - Office of EarlyLearningGeorgia Division of Family and ChildrenServices, Afterschool Care ProgramOdyssey Family Counseling CenterBee’s & Quotes Creative Children’s Art StudioGeorgia Public Library ServiceBoys & Girls Clubs of Metro AtlantaPiedmont Park ConservancyGeorgia TeenWork Internship ProgramBreakthrough AtlantaRaising Expectations Inc.Girl Scouts of Greater AtlantaBricks4KidzReach for ExcellenceGirls Inc. of Greater AtlantaCamp Broadway, LLCREACH GeorgiaGirls On The Run AtlantaCamp HighlandRiver Green AcademyGOALS AcademyCamp KudzuSpruill Center for the ArtsGoSTEM: Fun Summer of Service ProgramCarrie Steele-Pitts Home, Inc.Street Smart Youth ProjectGwinnett Alliance for Gifted EducationCenter for Pan Asian Community Services, Inc.TGA of Gwinnett CountyGwinnett County Parks and RecreationCenter for the Visually ImpairedThe Children’s Museum AtlantaHaverty HollowCenter Helping Obesity In Children EndSuccessfully (C.H.O.I.C.E.S.)The Lovett SchoolHenry County Parks and Recreation AfterSchool ProgramThe Potter’s House CDCCherokee Recreation and Parks AgencyHigh Meadows School, Inc.Children’s Special Services, LLCHigh Touch High Tech Science CampCity of Atlanta Department of Parks,Recreation and The Mayor’s Office ofCultural AffairsHorizons AtlantaClay White, LLCClayton County Parks & RecreationCommunities In Schools of AtlantaIn the City CampInternational Rescue Committee in Atlanta Inc.Jared’s Heart of Success Inc.John & JeJuan Stewart Jr. FoundationOne 2 One Educational Support Inc.The School Kids ClubThe Study Hall, Inc.UGA Extension Fulton CountyUnited Way PACE i3 Investing In InnovationsVOX Teen CommunicationsWhitefoord, Inc.Wingain Inc.Keeping Pace at Pace AcademyYELLS (Youth Empowerment throughLearning, Leading, and Serving, Inc.)Corners OutreachKiddosYMCA of Metro AtlantaDeKalb County Department of Recreation,Parks and Cultural AffairsKids Drone ZoneYoung Engineers North AtlantaKiDsGyM USA, Inc.Young Wall Street Traders, Inc.Douglas County School SystemKinderCare Learning CenterEaster Seals North GeorgiaLaAmistad, Inc.Easter Seals North Georgia, Inc.Latin American AssociationEmmaus HouseLegomaticsCommunity Guilds Inc.Limitation of the DataIncomplete and Estimated DataComplete data may not have been receivedfrom all targeted organizations and agenciesfor varying reasons. When consideredas a whole, it is likely that incompleteand estimated data may have led to anunderestimate of the total summer learningprogram landscape.Double CountingBecause youth can participate in more thanone program during the summer, they may becounted multiple times in the data used for thisreport. Where possible, we attempted to removeduplicate counts of children and youth.Snapshot in TimeData collection for this resource scan focused onsummer 2018 and represents a snapshot in time.The extent to which providers are able to offerprograms and the size of those programs mayvary from year to year, sometimes substantially,based on available funding.summerlearning.org9
About United Way of Greater AtlantaUnited Way of Greater Atlanta is the largestUnited Way in the nation and is focused onimproving the lives of more than 250,000children by 2027. Through the organization’sChild Well-Being Impact Fund, it invests morethan 140 programs in 13 counties to helpchildren succeed in school, improve the financialstability of families, provide affordable andaccessible healthcare and end homelessness.www.unitedwayatlanta.orgAbout Georgia Statewide AfterschoolNetworkAbout the National SummerLearning AssociationThe Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network (GSAN)is a public-private collaborative that envisions aday when all communities in Georgia have theresources to provide exceptional afterschool andsummer programming. GSAN’s mission is to advance,connect, and support high quality afterschooland summer learning programs to promote thesuccess of children and youth throughout Georgia.The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA)is the only national nonprofit exclusively focusedon closing the achievement gap by increasingaccess to high-quality summer learningopportunities. NSLA recognizes and disseminateswhat works, offers expertise and support forprograms and communities, and advocates forsummer learning as a solution for equity andexcellence in education. NSLA’s work is drivenby the belief that all children and youth deservehigh-quality summer learning experiences thatwill help them succeed in college, career, and life.www.afterschoolga.orgwww.summerlearning.org
Third and fourth graders had access to 129 programs, while youth at both ends of the age spectrum had far fewer programs serving these critical transition periods. GRADES Preschool, K Grades 1-2 Grades 3-4 Grades 5-6 Grades 7-8 Grades 9-10 Grades 11-12 Transition to College 46 119 129 119 80 66 57 15 NUMBER OF PROGRAMS SERVED
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