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BOSTON
– A projected 18,000 Boston students will attend 239 summer programs,
located in every neighborhood of the city, Mayor Michelle Michelle Wu and
Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper announced with Boston
After School & Beyond. A total of $4.2 million in city, state, and
private funds will support nonprofits providing enrichment that complements
academic learning throughout the city.
“The
Fifth Quarter summer learning program allows Boston’s young people to take
advantage of the best our city has to offer and provides them with
enriching educational experiences during the summer months,” said Mayor
Michelle Wu. “By engaging in a variety of activities, our students can
continue their learning journey, ensuring they are well-prepared for future
success. Our thanks go to Boston After School & Beyond and our
dedicated partners for their unwavering support in keeping our students
motivated and involved throughout the year.”
Research
shows that effective use of the summer months can be a key strategy for
accelerating learning, particularly for low-income youth. Boston’s 5th
Quarter of Learning, a partnership of the Boston Public Schools and
nonprofit Boston After School & Beyond, has been at the forefront of
national efforts to supplement school year learning, including a national
study by RAND that showed high attending students outperform their peers in
academics and key skills.
“The
5th Quarter of Learning is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that
all of our students have access to high-quality educational opportunities
year-round,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper.
“By engaging students in innovative and enriching programs over the summer,
we are helping them to develop critical skills, stay academically on track,
and foster a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom and, of
course, have fun.”
“Our
young people are the future of our Commonwealth and we must offer them the
educational and social-emotional support they need to learn, play, and
thrive during the school year and summer months," said Education
Secretary Patrick Tutwiler. "The 5th Quarter of Learning provides
a critical bridge between grade levels and encourages students to pursue
their passions while building on the skills learned during the school year.
I am excited to see all of the academic and
enrichment programs available for children and families this summer.”
In
response to youth surveys expressing mental health needs, program leaders
will focus on supporting resilience, wellness, and mental health. These
programs foster important life skills, such as perseverance, teamwork, and
communication, which are predictive of success in college and
career.
“The
5th Quarter of Learning encourages students to build on the skills learned
during the school year and become more engaged, curious, and confident,”
said Chris Smith, Executive Director of Boston After School &
Beyond. “We’re
grateful to the City of Boston for their continued partnership as we work
to make the city a classroom for all youth.”
"As
a parent, I have seen firsthand the tremendous benefits of the ACEDONE 5th
Quarter summer program. Three of my children participated, and the impact
on their education, social engagement, and problem-solving skills has been
remarkable. The program also significantly contributed to their mental
growth and well-being. I am grateful for the opportunities ACEDONE has
provided to my children, helping them make meaningful progress over the
summer," said Abdullahi M. Hussein.
Under
the 5th Quarter of Learning effort, Boston After School & Beyond will
disseminate a total of $4.2 million to 94 nonprofit organizations running
academic or enrichment programs, or both. Included in this approach is $3
million in funding from the Boston Public Schools to 67 community-based
programs operating five days a week over five weeks. Teachers begin the day
with instruction in math and English language arts, with the remainder of
the day featuring engaging enrichment, ranging from sailing to mixed
martial arts to Mariachi. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education provided $940,000 for Boston After School & Beyond
to 57 enrichment programs.
All
programs participating in the 5th Quarter of Learning will adopt a common
set of performance measures, tracked by Boston After School & Beyond.
As
young people continue to grapple with the effects of COVID-19 and a mental
health crisis, these programs provide critical intervention for youth
facing adversity, and help them to improve across all metrics, all while
having fun. Boston After School & Beyond and PEAR, has certified its
first cohort of 25 program leaders in developmental resilience, equipping
them with the skills to help youth adversity into resilience through
participation in programs.
The
5th Quarter of Learning is a resource open to Boston students, kindergarten
to grade 12, at no cost. For more information and to find a program,
visit bostonbeyond.org/summer-programs.
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