The City of Philadelphia launched the Summer Opportunities Website—a one-stop shop for Philadelphia youth of all ages who would like to learn about summer enrichment opportunities offered by the City, Philadelphia School District, and non-profit partner organizations. Youth and parents can go here to register for the Summer Learning and More (SLAM) program, apply for over 12,000 summer jobs, and explore available sports and arts programming.
This website is part of a greater joint effort to realign summer activities around educational opportunities. The emphasis on academic programs will be reinforced by agencies across the City including the School District, City departments, non-profit institutions and nongovernmental agencies. This unprecedented collaboration will provide youth with the information they need to continue and augment their education during the summer months.
“Every student should make education a top priority. Continuing their learning process throughout the summer gives them a chance to catch up and be well-prepared for the upcoming school year,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “In the past, many young people have had to choose between the academic programming they need and a summer job. Through collaboration, this is no longer a choice students have to make.”
“SLAM will give students an additional 21 days of learning to take a leap forward, gain new skills, make a smooth transition to high school, or acquire credits for graduation,” said School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. Arlene Ackerman. “Additionally, exposure to the enrichment classes, such as chess, dance and art, will help close the opportunity gap for students whose parents cannot afford these kinds of resources. In fact, the menu of enrichment options is what really distinguishes SLAM from summer school of the past.”
The Summer Youth Programming Website provides information for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade regarding opportunities in academic, sports, arts, and leadership programming as well as job training and employment opportunities. The purpose of the site is to emphasize the importance of continued academic enrichment for Philadelphia school students during the summer months. By partnering with the School District, the City and non-profit partner job opportunities will be scheduled so students can also attend the SLAM program and other summer academic enrichment classes.
SLAM, which provides skills development in core subject areas and enrichment opportunities for students, is available to students attending Empowerment, Renaissance Eligible and Renaissance Alert Schools as well as some students attending non-high need schools. The School District will offer a total of 50,000 slots available for students, which is a 20,000 increase from last year. There will be a total of 117 sites including 107 at High Needs Elementary, Middle and High Schools. Registration started on May 3, and the program will run from June 29 through July 28.
The Philadelphia Youth Network, a non-profit partner organization, will provide information on over 12,000 jobs opportunities for high school students through the WorkReady Philadelphia program. The Summer Youth Programming website will link to the WorkReady Online Application. Applications are due on June 4, and the program will run from July 6 through August 13.
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