BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Students participating in high-quality, community-based summer learning programs supported by the statewide Summer Adventures in Learning (SAIL) initiative made solid gains in math and reading this summer. On average, SAIL students gained 2.5 months in math and one month in reading. This is the 12th summer in a row that SAIL students have achieved significant academic growth.
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 by facilitating assessments, peer learning, and funding opportunities.
SAIL aims to ensure that more Alabama students have high-quality, engaging summer experiences that prepare them to thrive as adults. On average, students who do not enroll in a high-quality summer enrichment program typically lose two months of learning in reading and math. Since its inception, SAIL has invested over $10 million in summer learning and has helped more than 21,700 students turn summer learning losses into gains.
“Our focus has always been on empowering local communities to provide high-quality summer learning experiences for their students,” said Jim Wooten, president of the Summer Adventures in Learning Board of Directors. “The consistent gains in reading and math achieved by SAIL’s partners are a testament to their efforts to create lasting student growth while keeping the summer fun and enjoyable. We’re proud to stand alongside these partners, providing the resources and support they need to help Alabama’s students thrive.”
In the summer of 2024, 38 programs, including a record nine new programs, at 63 locations in 20 counties shared $901,000 from SAIL’s 15 philanthropic partners. Grantees used the funds to offer comprehensive reading and math instruction combined with athletic and other summer-camp activities based on their students’ interests.
More than 2,317 students participated in SAIL-supported summer learning programs this year, an 18% increase over last year’s enrollment, and the most since the COVID pandemic. Nearly all of the students (97%) were eligible for free and reduced lunch. Eighty percent of enrolled students completed the whole summer, and the programs reported an average daily attendance of 82%.
SAIL programs incorporate best practices from summer camp and school to maximize student engagement and learning opportunities. SAIL programs are encouraged to develop their own curriculum. This flexibility allows each to design a summer learning program that meets students where they are academically, is tailored to the child’s interests, and addresses the needs of the whole child.
To view a list of programs receiving SAIL funding in Birmingham:
https://sailalabama.org/birmingham/
To view a list of programs receiving SAIL funding in the Black Belt region:
https://sailalabama.org/blackbelt/
To view a list of programs receiving SAIL funding in the rest of Alabama: