A new review found students enrolled in high-quality, community-based summer learning programs supported by Alabama’s Summer Adventures in Learning (SAIL) improved in reading and math this summer.

SAIL was founded in 2012 to build support for rigorous summer learning across Alabama. SAIL helps non-profits , faith-based organizations, and other community organizations invest in high-quality summer learning programs. SAIL facilitates assessments, peer learning, and funding opportunities to ensure that Alabama’s high-quality summer learning programs thrive.  

On average, SAIL students gained 3.1 months in math and 1.9 months in reading. This is the 11th summer in a row that SAIL students have achieved academic growth. 

“All students, but especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, suffer from summer learning losses,” said Jim Wooten, president of the Summer Adventures in Learning Board of Directors. “Especially with the state’s new reading and math requirements, we must provide extra academic support to help our children keep up. Year after year, our community-based summer learning programs have not only prevented summer learning loss but helped accelerate growth.”