Tell Congress to support dedicated funding for summer programs

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I am writing to ask you to support the bipartisan Summer Learning and Meals Act of 2019 (S. 2070 and H.R. 3667), a bill to create a new federal pilot program that provides grants to state libraries to allow schools with summer lunch programs to keep their libraries open for student use during the summer months. This bill is modeled after the successful Oregon Summer Learning, Library, Lunch program.

The phenomenon of summer learning loss is well known. We also know that low-income students are least likely to have access to key resources that keep them safe, healthy, and learning over the summer months. Despite the fact that summer has been identified as a major factor in the achievement gap in America’s schools, there is still no dedicated source of funding for summer learning.

Unfortunately, school resources like libraries and cafeterias are often idle in the summer months. This bill would activate these resources in the schools where they are most needed.

The inclusion of state libraries as partners is key to this program’s success. To be effective, summer reading programs need to have structure and guidance. Research shows that the A-B-C's of effective reading instruction are:

--Access to books; 
--Books that match readers’ ability levels and interests; and 
--Comprehension, as monitored and guided by an adult who can ask questions and guide kids to better understand what they read.

This grant program would activate library services at schools that also serve as summer meals sites. A 2018 report from the GAO shows that much work is needed to ensure youth are participating in the Summer Nutrition Programs. This bill is one step in that effort.

Thank you supporting programs that help disadvantaged students receive meals and learning activities throughout the summer.

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National Summer Learning Association
575 South Charles Street
Suite 310
Baltimore, MD 21201
info@summerlearning.org

p (410) 856-1370
f (410) 856-1146