Summer programs offer solutions to learning loss

By Stacy Mantle
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A growing number of families are turning to public and private programs that promise more than just a way to beat the Arizona heat.

These camps, workshops and youth employment initiatives offer structured solutions to summer learning loss, childcare gaps and teen disengagement — problems that have only intensified in the wake of pandemic-era setbacks.

Public and private providers across the Valley are stepping up with a range of options that include everything from free STEM labs and coding camps to art immersion, swim safety and paid internships for teens. Together these initiatives tackle two key issues head-on: youth idleness and the academic “summer slide.”

It’s estimated that students lose about 20% of their reading skills and 27% of their math skills gained during the school year over summer break Northwest Evaluation Association. Children from low-income families are disproportionately affected by the summer slide.

Research shows that more than half of the gap in reading scores between low-income ninth graders and their middle-income peers could be attributed to differences in summer learning accumulated between first and fifth grade.

“We’re not just filling time — we’re filling gaps,” said Kevin McGee, city of Scottsdale deputy parks & recreation director. "Without access to enriching summer programs, too many kids lose ground academically, socially and emotionally.” 

Public programs scale up to serve all

At the county level, the Maricopa County Summer Youth Workforce Program has expanded to serve more than 1,000 youth this year with more than $2.2 million in funding. The initiative matches 16- to 21-year-olds with real-world work experience in county departments and local businesses, helping them earn while they learn.

Meanwhile, the Maricopa County Reads initiative — one of Arizona’s largest literacy campaigns — continues to offer interactive programming through all public libraries. With a focus on pre-K through grade 12, the program provides digital tracking tools, free books and access to enrichment activities.

“In July 2023, Maricopa County invested $2.2 million in a Summer Youth Workforce program to build skills for future careers,” said District 3 Supervisor Brophy McGee. “This initiative introduces youth to career pathways and builds the next generation of skilled workers and leaders. An additional $400,000 from unused Workforce Development funds has been allocated for summer 2025 to continue the program’s impact.”

Phoenix Parks and Recreation has also scaled up free lunch and recreation programs in Title I school zones — providing crucial support for working families that rely on schools during the year.

“Over the past two summers, more than 420 youth have benefited from this program, receiving work readiness training, hands-on experience in high-demand industries and continued support through the Maricopa County Workforce Development Division,” McGee said. “The program, delivered by two service providers, focused on low-income and high-risk communities and partnered with more than 75 local businesses to offer meaningful job opportunities.”

Addressing the gaps

Despite the range of options, transportation, cost and digital awareness remain barriers for many families. To bridge the gap, the Maricopa County Education Service Agency is piloting a Summer Access Bus in west Phoenix neighborhoods — offering free rides to libraries, summer meal sites and camps.

Local nonprofits like Read Better Be Better and Boys and Girls Clubs of the Valley are also helping fill the equity gap by partnering with schools to host onsite programming — eliminating the need for extra travel.

As Arizona families navigate the challenges of summer, a growing network of public and private efforts is working to close critical gaps in education, employment and enrichment. From  free lunches in Title I zones to summer camps, paid internships and literacy campaigns countywide, these programs reflect a shared commitment to keeping youth engaged, supported and safe — especially in communities hit hardest by pandemic-era setbacks.

Barriers like transportation and digital access remain. Bridging those divides will require sustained investment, creative partnerships and a continued focus on equity across the Valley.

Editor’s note: A grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation made this story possible. The foundation awarded 15 newsrooms to pay for solutions-focused education reporters for two years. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.