Summer Learning Program – Brighter Futures

WHEREAS, summer learning loss is responsible for two-thirds of the achievement gap by the end of fifth grade; and

WHEREAS, high quality summer learning programs are proven to maintain and advance students' academic and social growth, keep children safe and healthy during the summer, and send young people back to school ready to learn. Additionally, summer youth employment programs engage older youth in meaningful activities that allow them to explore careers of interest, take on new responsibilities, contribute to their community, and earn money for the future; and

WHEREAS, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) offer states flexible funding opportunities like the Title IV, Part A "Student Success and Academic Enrichment" (SSAE) grant  program to foster creative summer programing that drives student success; and

WHEREAS, a wide array of public agencies, community-based organizations, schools, libraries, museums, recreation centers, camps, and businesses in our community contribute to the well­ being of youth through summer programming; and

WHEREAS, summer learning is a critical component of our collective effort to ensure all students graduate from high school prepared for college, careers, and life.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP Units will advocate to protect funding streams for summer programs as well as work within their local communities to expand quality summer learning opportunities, summer meals and summer job opportunities for young people, particularly those in high-poverty communities.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP supports the adoption of the pending legislation of the Child Care for Working Families Act which would provide working families with much-needed summer child-care support.