Programs Overview
Students at every grade level have opportunities this summer to take part in a mix of academic and recreational programs offered at schools, after-school providers, community colleges and recreation sites.
The programs range from an enrollment of 5 to 5,000 students. Many serve students with disabilities, English language learners, and economically disadvantaged students.
"We are providing students access to academics as well as enrichment opportunities to help them grow and keep connected to school this summer," said Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley.
Acceleration Academies
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) helped school districts launch Acceleration Academies. Acceleration Academies enable students to learn and build skills focusing on one subject in small, hands-on learning environments with teachers.
Students benefit from small class sizes, longer uninterrupted instructional blocks, individualized attention, project-based lessons and teacher flexibility for learning time.
Acceleration Academies include:
- Early Literacy Academies for incoming kindergartners and for students entering first and second grades;
- English/English Language Arts Academies for students entering grades 3-8 and 10; and
- Math Acceleration Academies for students entering grades 3-8 and 10.
For more information, contact: Thomas.Zorich@mass.gov
Summer Step Up
The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) will support school districts to offer Summer Step Up, a new program aimed at giving extra support to young learners entering school in the fall.
Young children, who have had limited in-school experiences due to the pandemic, can participate in summer learning opportunities developed with community partners to help prepare them for school.
Summer Step Up is an opportunity to engage young learners and accelerate learning, making the transition to in-person learning smoother for young children.
Additional Resources
Biggest Winner Math Challenge
The Biggest Winner Math Challenge was designed to address “the steep and disproportionate drop-off of academically advanced Black, Hispanic, and/or low-income students between third and sixth grades”, as noted in a 2019 report on the state of gifted and talented education in Massachusetts. This summer, the Biggest Winner Math Challenge will serve high-achieving math students in grades 6-9 in Gateway Cities.
For more information: Thomas.Zorich@Mass.gov
CBO Grants for Summer Education and Enrichment
Additional funding has been awarded to help community-based organizations (CBOs) expand and enhance educational enrichment as part of their existing summer programs.
For more information: AllisonWard.Smith@mass.gov
Early College Summer Courses
Most designated Early College programs are offering summer programming. Participants in these programs can contact their local school for more information.
Early Literacy Tutoring
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has contracted with early literacy tutoring vendors to partner with districts to provide high-dosage tutoring during the summer. For more information, please fill out this interest form.
HS Senior Internship Project - Extension
The High School Senior Internship Education Project will provide summer internship opportunities to benefit both participating students and the programs they serve.
For more information: Elizabeth.L.Bennett@mass.gov
District High-Quality Summer Learning Grants
Grants have been awarded for school districts and collaboratives to enhance or expand four- to six-week summer programs offering a mix of academic and enrichment activities. Many of these also include mental health services and additional supports for students with disabilities and English learners.
For more information: AllisonWard.Smith@mass.gov