Keeping learning going all summer long!
Below you will find local and virtual resources to help you keeping learning strong all summer long. Here are a few key tips from our partners, Learning Heroes, on how you can take to find the summer supports that are best for your child!
1. Review Key Skills
Before school is out, ask the teacher which specific skills are most important for your child to work on over the summer. You can also use the Readiness Check to know how your child is doing with grade-level math skills and get connected to fun, easy-to-use summer learning resources to help your child practice these skills every day. Use this Summer Parent-Teacher Planning Tool to get started.
2. Reconnect with what matters
Who is your child most excited to spend time with? What interests your child? What makes them light up with confidence? Find out and lean into it this summer. This will help keep your child motivated to learn. For example, to build communication skills, invite your child and their friends to do a "write and tell" to share what they missed most about each other.
3. Reflect on progress
Share what you notice about your child's progress with tutors, summer program leaders and new teachers in the fall. For example, "my 4th grader needs support with word problems that involve multiplication and division." You are the expert on your child. Teachers need your insights and questions. Use the Parent-Teacher Planning Tool to jot down what you notice about your child this summer. Hint: You don't have to wait for Fall conferences to connect with the teacher.
What grade is your child?
Elementary/Middle School (K-8)
High School (9-12)
What is a better fit for your family?
Virtual supports
In-person supports
Virtual supports and camps
Camp Kinda - Camp Kinda is an exploratory learning experience designed to keep kids ages 3-13 engaged, curious, and having fun-even if they're stuck at home. It's like summer camp (kinda).
Learning Tools - Online learning resources from trusted organizations to help your child succeed in school. Selected your child's grade and subject area to see the best free resources the internet has to offer!
The Scholar Squad - Families receive a one-on-one consultation with an experienced educator/coach to review your child's progress and learn about proven interventions, get questions answered about your child's literacy development, and get help identifying additional support that may be helpful, including Reading/Math Corps virtual tutoring and activities that you can do at home to support learning.
Way to Grow - Raising a child is hard work! Way to Grow is here to help you get your children ready to learn and succeed in school. Their home visiting program helps families prenatal up to the third grade. Every family is matched with a certified Family Educator and receives one-on-one support through virtual home visits.
For children birth to five, they use an evidence-based curriculum and provide activities to support development, growth, and school-readiness – as well as any specific goals parents may have for themselves, their children or their families! Their elementary learners receive literacy support to improve reading, comprehension and writing skills. You can learn more about our program online at waytogrow.org/enroll or call at 612-874-4740.
In-person supports
Summer Scholars - This isn't just summer school. It's an innovative, immersive summer experience that challenges your child to explore a world of possibilities both in and out of the classroom. It won't even feel like learning as they forge their own path, dream up new ideas, and find meaning in everything they create. All while discovering endless ways to connect with friends and their interests.
Community Education Youth Summer Programming - Youth and Adult Programs is excited to bring you new experiences for youth this summer that provide education enrichment, skill building, a sense of community, social and emotional learning, and recreational opportunities! Check out our free or low-cost, in-person options throughout Minneapolis. Customize a schedule to meet your needs including full day, weekly AM and PM classes for up to eight weeks beginning in June.
Summer Activities at the YMCA - Explore the variety of Y Summer Activities and Programs at over 60 metro-area locations. Summer programs include flexible three-, four-, and five-day options. The YMCA also offers summer camps and other specialty activities. There's something fun for everyone.
YMCA Summer Camps - Camps at the Y share one thing: they're about discovery. Kids, teenagers and families have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. They nurture character development through our core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Equity.
What is a better fit for your family?
Virtual supports
In-person supports
Virtual supports
Juxtaposition Arts - JXTA, places a high value on learning by doing because they know young artists learn and grow in their core competencies through experiences. They provide a safe space, mentorship, professional and creative connections, as well as tools for young people to practice the critical skill of turning their creative ideas into fully-realized art and design products. Some virtual options available.
In-person supports
MPS Credit Academy - Credit Academy provides an opportunity for students to make up missed high school credits in a fun, flexible and alternative way. Teachers provide unique and innovative opportunities for students to grow and learn throughout the summer. There are two options available: FlexCredit Academy or Credit Recovery. (Students must qualify to participate. Please contact your school counselor for more details.)
Community Education Youth Summer Programming - Youth and Adult Programs is excited to bring you new experiences for youth this summer that provide education enrichment, skill building, a sense of community, social and emotional learning, and recreational opportunities! Check out our free or low-cost, in-person options throughout Minneapolis. Customize a schedule to meet your needs including full day, weekly AM and PM classes for up to eight weeks beginning in June.
YMCA Summer Camps - Camps at the Y share one thing: they're about discovery. Kids, teenagers and families have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. They nurture character development through our core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Equity.
Juxtaposition Arts - JXTA places a high value on learning by doing because they know young artists learn and grow in their core competencies through experiences. They provide a safe space, mentorship, professional and creative connections, as well as tools for young people to practice the critical skill of turning their creative ideas into fully-realized art and design products. Some virtual options available.
Minneapolis Youth Works - Helps youth and young adults learn academic life and work skills, identify career paths, and achieve meaningful employment.
Teen Teamworks - Teen Teamworks helps youth and young adults ages 14-24 acquire relevant job skills and perspective through hands-on MPRB project work and training. Youth receive supervised on-the-job training, work readiness sessions, educational services, and earn a bi-weekly paycheck.
Walker Art Center High School Teen Paid Summer Intern Program – Paid Summer camp for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. Learn how museums work, meet artists and make art. You do not have to be an artist, just have an interest in learning about art.
If you run summer programming in Minneapolis, please contact Rosie Lais at for inclusion on this list.