How STEAM Ahead is Reducing Summer Learning Loss
Summer Learning Loss (SLL) is a phenomenon that affects students in countries with long breaks in the school year. It occurs when students do not engage in educational activities during the summer months, potentially decreasing their academic performance. This learning loss can significantly impact a student’s future success, as they may not be able to keep up with their peers who are engaging in summer learning activities.
Students who are low-income, english language learners, have special needs or disabilities, or lack access to educational resources (books, computers etc) are the highest risk groups for experiencing summer learning loss.
Summer Learning Loss: THE Statistics
Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the impacts of SLL, and the findings are eye-opening.
A 2020 study, found that on average students lose 17–34% of the prior year’s learning gains during summer break.
66% of teachers say that it typically takes them 3-4 weeks to reteach the previous year's skills at the beginning of the new school year.
Only 52% of parents are aware of the skills that are lost throughout the summer months.
How STeAM Ahead Combats Summer Learning Loss
So how does STEAM Ahead make learning fun and engaging during school breaks? The answer: STEAM Ahead’s S.T.E.A.M Academy & Summer Learning Academies
STEAM Ahead’s S.T.E.A.M. Academy gives students space to virtually explore different branches of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (S.T.E.A.M.) through guided study and hands-on activities. The course topics for the 2023 Summer Session includes Music and Entrepreneurship; Financial Literacy; Environmental Science; and AI For Well-Being in partnership with MIT Media Labs.
STEAM Ahead’s Summer Learning Academies (SLA) are free, 5-week summer day programs for Boston Public School students. The programs consist of several components, including academic enrichment (Math, English Language Arts, Science), S.T.E.A.M. project-based work, field trips, sports, mindfulness activities, guest speakers and more. For 2023, STEAM Ahead will host two SLAs with two Boston Public Schools - Lee Academy Pilot School and Hurley K-8 School.
Lastly, STEAM Ahead is partnering with the 3Point Foundation to introduce students to S.T.E.A.M. through the lens of an NBA/WNBA Expansion League. Students will learn and leverage Math, Engineering, Art, Marketing and Coding skills to create their own basketball team and host a “NBA S.T.E.A.M. Combine”.
Through STEAM Ahead’s programs and partnerships, students can continue to learn, grow and have fun during the summer months, ultimately reducing summer learning loss. Students have the opportunity to explore new concepts, experiment with different ideas, and develop critical thinking skills. Additionally, they are able to socialize with peers who share similar interests and build lasting friendships.
To learn more about STEAM Ahead’s programs, visit westeamahead.org/programs