When summer begins, students across the country look forward to a well-earned break. But for many children (especially those from low and moderate income households) summer can also mean a loss of structure, learning, and opportunity. Without access to books, academic support, or safe spaces to grow, students often fall behind during the summer months. Programs like Find My Genius, offered by the Southeast Ventura County YMCA and supported by The Valentine Foundation, are designed to prevent that setback and help kids thrive. Let’s discuss why the summer slide is such an obstacle and how summer enrichment programs can help prevent learning loss.
Why Summer Learning Loss Matters
Studies have shown that children can lose one to two months of academic progress during the summer. This phenomenon, often called summer learning loss or the summer slide, affects all students but has the greatest impact on those without access to enrichment programs and summer camp.
The National Summer Learning Association reports that by fifth grade, children from low-income households can fall more than two years behind their peers due to cumulative summer learning losses.
What Makes Find My Genius So Effective
Find My Genius is more than a summer camp. It’s a free summer enrichment program focused on helping elementary students strengthen their reading, writing, and math skills while building confidence and curiosity.
The program includes:
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A research-based curriculum with a focus on literacy and STEM education
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Creative and physical activities that promote whole-child development, including Safety Around Water; a program that gives children confidence in their swimming and aquatic abilities.
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Nutritious meals and reliable transportation
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Caring educators and mentors who build strong relationships with students
These elements work together to create a well-rounded, supportive environment where kids can learn and grow, even outside the traditional school year.
Creating a Summer of Opportunity
Academic skills are only part of what makes a program like Find My Genius impactful. Students gain confidence, improve social-emotional skills, and discover interests they may not have explored in a typical classroom.
Many children who participate in summer enrichment return to school more engaged, more prepared, and more hopeful about their future.
How The Valentine Foundation Supports Summer Learning
The Valentine Foundation is proud to help fund the Find My Genius program because it aligns with our mission to expand educational access and close opportunity gaps.
Our support helps provide:
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Books and classroom materials for students
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In-person field trips to places like the Ventura Aquatic Center and Discovery Cube
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Enrichment activities that spark interest in science, reading, and the arts
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Access to transportation and meals so that all students can participate
We believe that summer should be a time for growth, not decline. With the right support, it can become a launchpad for lifelong learning.
What Students and Parents Are Saying
“During our first year of [Find My Genius], our daughter showed remarkable growth in her reading comprehension. Her social skills have flourished and ability to self-regulate and understand her peers has continued to grow by leaps and bounds.”
— Find My Genius Parent
“I liked learning about math and numbers. Now I’m number one in my math class in school! I love math and Find my Genius.”
— Find My Genius student, 3rd grade
You Can Help Create Brighter Summers
Summer should be filled with possibilities. Programs like Find My Genius give students the tools they need to stay on track and feel inspired.
Now that you know about how summer enrichment programs help prevent learning loss, we’d love for you to join our mission to keep these summer opportunities available for those who need them. Your support helps expand these programs to more children and families who rely on them to thrive.