Out-of-School and Summer Learning (Expanded Learning)
WHO WE ARE
The Out-of-School and Summer Learning Network (OOSSLN) is dedicated to increasing equitable access to out-of-school and summer learning, collecting program provider data to drive targeted action, and making high-quality program training available to all community program providers.
The OOSSLN has committed to addressing the following areas:
Data
- 100% of network program providers agree to track common data measures for Summer Learning to better inform our work.
- 100% of network program providers agree to submit summer learning data (agreed upon common data measure).
Quality
- 100% of network members are engaged in the Youth Program Quality (YPQ) trainings and/or assessment process. Either attend trainings, or engaged in the YPQI process.
- Expanding access for network members to participate in more professional development opportunities.
Access
- Expand summer learning slots for Black/Hispanic students on the East Side and South End of Tacoma.
- Expand the number of programs available to families on summerlearningtacoma.org
Since 2013, the number of unique Tacoma students served by summer programs has increased 37%, from 3,645 to 4,977 and the total number of program slots filled has increased from 5,616 to 8,831 – a 57% increase! These totals reflect the portion of program providers that collect and report their student participation data.
Get Involved!
WHAT’S NEXT
Download the Out-of-School and Summer Learning Network’s Action Plan here. This working document guides the network’s activities and serves as a blueprint for the future.
2020 TARGETS
Summer learning programs for families at SummerLearningTacoma.org
Students engaged in summer learning programs (current: 17%)
Black and Hispanic students participating in summer learning (current: 40%)
Community partners agree to common data to better inform our work
Community partners meeting and exposed to program quality improvement standards
DATA-DRIVEN ACTION
Expanding Summer Learning
Each year the OOSSLN seeks to increase the number of summer program slots filled and unique students served by the more than 300 Tacoma-Pierce County summer learning programs listed on its website. SummerLearningTacoma.org has received more than 10,000 unique visits, providing Tacoma families and students a place to search and sign up for summer programs by neighborhood, date, type of program, cost, and financial assistance available.
Eastside and South End Neighborhoods
Low-income students not engaged in summer learning can fall two years behind their middle- and upper-middle income peers by fourth grade. The OOSSLN is combatting this slide with a heightened focus on the East and South End neighborhoods.
Investing in Access
The OOSSLN is responding to underserved neighborhoods and communities where summer learning student participation is low. Since 2013, the Network has helped direct more than $200,000 from the Foundation for Tacoma Students to community-based organizations with programs that reach these students.
Network Leads
Network Partners
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, City of Tacoma, Communities in Schools, Degrees of Change, Foundation for Tacoma Students, Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, KBTC, Lemay-America’s Car Museum, Metro Parks Tacoma, Oasis Youth Center, Peace Community Center, Pierce Transit, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Puget Sound Educational Service District, REACH Center, Safe Streets, Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma Housing Authority, Tacoma Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, Tacoma Public Schools, Tacoma Rescue Mission, University of Puget Sound, University of Washington Tacoma, YMCA of Pierce & Kitsap Counties, YWCA Pierce County
