As the school year comes to an end and the summer is fast approaching, we look for opportunities to keep youth continuously engaged in learning, which cultivates and expands their natural curiosities. The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) is a national non-profit organization focused on the powerful impact of one achievable goal: investing in summer learning to help close the achievement gap. NSLA uses the power of research, advocacy, training, and policy to transform America's neighborhoods and communities, one child at a time.

National Summer Learning Week is a celebration dedicated to elevating the importance of summer learning! Let's work together to keep kids safe and healthy every summer and ensure they return to school ready to succeed! Promote and advocate for summer learning on social media using the hashtags #Summerlearningweek #CASEforKids #MakingAfterschoolCool.

Contact Kiera Hurst (kiera.hurst@hcde-texas.org) to see what items you may want to borrow for the summer from the SMART Zone, CASE for Kids' free lending library.   Literacy materials include Reader's Theater, comic book curriculum, academic and traditional board games, giant Jenga, Connect Four and Uno cards, and more. Borrow drums, drum pads, ukuleles, or keyboards. iPads, video cameras, and doodle pens for art activities. The SMART Zone can provide your organization with general sports supplies, such as hula hoops, human bumper balls, and cornhole. STEM materials include Lego and kinetics kits, Cubelets, Ozobots, and more! Check out podcasting curriculum and materials for students to create podcasts to celebrate their community. Materials can be borrowed for up to six weeks.  

• 2024-2025 Texas Bluebonnet Award List
• Camp Khan Kids
• 4-H Free Virtual Cooking Camp
• Jr. NBA at Home
• Camp Save-a-Watt - PEC
• Mizzen Education
• The Wallace Foundation's Summer Learning Toolkit provides evidence-based tools and guidance for effective programs.
• The National Summer Learning Association Family Resource Guide allows families to discover fun and engaging activities to keep youth learning all summer. The guide is searchable by city, so take advantage of your city's unique offerings.
• Keep kids active and engaged with resources for youth with learning disorders. Child Mind Institute has some great resources and ideas on creating an inclusive space for all youth in your program.