Aug 22 National Summer Learning Week in Allegheny County

(August 22, 2025)

National Summer Learning Week, a nationally recognized initiative dedicated to elevating the importance of summer learning to keep kids engaged, safe, and learning all summer long was held the week of July 13, 2025. The initiative is led by National Summer Learning Association (NSLA), whose mission is to ensure all students can access and benefit from a high-quality learning experience every year, regardless of background, income, or zip code.

Summer learning can prevent the “summer slide,” close opportunity gaps, and set children up for success in the upcoming school year. Allegheny Partners for Out‑of‑School Time (APOST) and Bridge to Learn partner to celebrate summer programming in Allegheny County while also advocating for its importance. APOST has been leading the way — supporting out-of-school time (OST) providers with professional development, advocacy, and community connection. Bridge to Learn is made up of partners such as Allies For Children, the Department of Children Initiatives (DCI), Remake Learning, and the United Way, who serve as an intermediary between families and out-of-school time opportunities.

Locally, events for National Summer Learning Week were organized by APOST and Bridge to Learn. Together, they arranged for a Summer Learning Tour showcasing vibrant programs like those at H.O.P.E. For Tomorrow and the Boys & Girls Club.

As a member of Bridge to Learn, I had the honor and pleasure of participating in the day’s events. We started our day at H.O.P.E for Tomorrow in the West End of Pittsburgh. We were greeted by the children and youth who attended the camp. They were all incredibly welcoming with smiles that were so contagious. They had incredible activities planned for all of the visitors, and we participated in their energetic morning dance routine.We then visited the different classrooms for a taste of all of the camp offerings, which included math, reading, social, and STEAM. A mental health program titled “Imagine Further” is available for all participants. The campers can also choose an elective such as sports, dance, and Boy Scouts of America. One camper said that H.O.P.E For Tomorrow is more than just a camp – it is a safe haven for so many.

After a powerful and inspirational morning at H.O.P.E For Tomorrow, we headed to the Boys & Girls Club Carnegie Clubhouse. Several mobile learning programs joined us at the clubhouse to share what they had to offer. We had the opportunity to learn about the following mobile learning programs: Guild on the Go through the Manchester Craftsman Guild, Winnie’s Wagon through Homeless Children’s Education Fund, and the Mobile Mini-Lab through Industrial Arts Workshop. These innovative programs create accessibility and exposure to students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to engage.

The President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, Chris Watts, welcomed us to the Carnegie Clubhouse. He talked about the 11 facilities they have in Western Pennsylvania and meeting all youth where they are to understand what they need to grow and succeed. To meet these goals, they emphasize three outcome areas: Academic Success, Character & Leadership, and Healthy Lifestyles. State Representative Anita Kulik was one of the attendees and spoke to the importance and significance of OST programs like the Boys & Girls Club. She stated, “We can trim a lot of fat from the government, but we should never be trimming food and education for children.”

A young girl from South Africa delivered a moving speech about how she has had two homes in her life. She grew up in South Africa until her mother got a job in the United States. She shared about the challenges she faced with such a big move, but the Boys & Girls Club helped make the transition so much easier. She said she has had two homes so far, but no matter where life takes her, the Boys & Girls Club will always be home to her.

We had the opportunity to tour the clubhouse and see the children in action. As Rep. Kulik shared about the club being a hub in the community when she was younger, it remains a vital part of this community. Rep. Kulik shared that the club was a hub in the community when she was younger – it was great to see that it remains a vital part of the community today.

The majority of the campers at the clubhouse come from word-of-mouth. This year, they took as many children as they could, but they did have a waitlist. Their preschool program is also operating on a waitlist. A large number of the children come from around the corner at the Carnegie Towers.

Lauren DeDomenic, the Deputy Chief of Staff of Policy and Partnerships for County Executive Sara Innamaorato, read a proclamation on behalf of the county executive designating summer learning week in Allegheny County. The Council of the City of Pittsburgh also declared “National Summer Learning Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.

Allies For Children will continue to work with partners to uplift the importance of out-of-school time programs and summer learning. Check out our OST report from 2021, Return on Investment of After-School Programs in Pennsylvania and a recent guest blog post from APOST Executive Director Karen Dreyer.

Heather Wilkes, Allies for Children Policy Director