BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Birmingham-based Summer Adventures in Learning (SAIL) has increased the number of programs in its network of high-quality, independent summer learning programs.
SAIL was founded in 2012 to build support for rigorous summer learning across the state. It helps educational groups, faith-based foundations, and other community organizations to invest in high-quality summer learning programs and fosters a culture of collaboration among providers. SAIL facilitates assessments, peer learning, and funding opportunities to ensure that Alabama’s high-quality summer learning programs thrive.
This summer, 35 programs at 46 sites in 16 counties — including new programs in Coosa, Mobile, and Talladega Counties — will share $802,000 from SAIL’s 15 philanthropic partners.
SAIL programs incorporate best practices from summer camp and school to maximize student engagement and learning opportunities. SAIL does not require its programs to follow a specific curriculum. This flexibility allows each site to design a summer learning program that meets students where they are academically, is tailored to each child’s interests, and addresses the needs of the whole child. On average, SAIL students receive 38 hours in reading and 38 hours in math instruction during the summer.
“Summer programs that combine reading and math instruction with enrichment, athletics, and other camp-specific activities are the gold standard for summer learning,” said Jim Wooten, president of the Summer Adventures in Learning Board of Directors. “The 35 programs in our network this year are committed to providing a student-centered, fun experience based on the child’s interests. We are confident students attending these programs will find success and are excited to help these programs serve as many students as possible.”
In the summer of 2022, more than 1,600 students participated in a SAIL-supported summer learning program. Eighty-six percent of enrolled students completed the full program, and the programs reported an average daily attendance of 85 percent. On average, SAIL students gained 4.4 months in math and 2.8 months in reading. Both totals were record highs for academic growth in the program’s 10-year history.
To view a list of programs receiving SAIL funding in Birmingham:
To view a list of programs receiving SAIL funding in the Black Belt region:
To view a list of programs receiving SAIL funding in the rest of Alabama:
In addition to the 35 programs mentioned above, SAIL is partnering with the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (ALDECE) to evaluate its 2023 summer learning grant recipients’ program outcomes. Governor Ivey created the grants program via a direct appropriation in the Fiscal Year 2023 Education Trust Fund budget.
SAIL will use its proven Quality Framework to measure program outcomes and help ALDECE’s programs improve over time. This initiative is the first in a new alliance between SAIL and the Alabama Expanded Learning Alliance.
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Summer Adventures in Learning is a collective impact project that focuses on turning summer learning loss into gain. Learn more at sailalabama.org.