National Summer Learning Week
July 10 through July 14 is National Summer Learning Week. Summer break is often seen as a time of relaxation and fun for most children, but it can also be a period of significant learning loss for many students, especially those from historically marginalized communities. Research consistently shows that students from low-income families experience a greater “summer slide” in academic achievement compared to their more affluent peers. This loss of learning can contribute to the persistent achievement gap between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds, in addition to the COVID learning loss that also disproportionately impacted this same group.
To address this issue, it is crucial to provide equitable access to high-quality summer learning programs for children from historically marginalized communities. These programs offer transformative experiences that not only mitigate learning loss, but also foster social and emotional development, build confidence, and enhance critical life skills.
By investing in high-quality summer learning opportunities offered at organizations like the Princeton-Blairstown Center, we can provide children with engaging educational experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom setting. They incorporate hands-on activities, project-based learning, outdoor exploration, and cultural enrichment, promoting holistic development and sparking curiosity among young learners.
These programs can play a pivotal role in promoting equity and bridging the opportunity gap. By focusing on historically marginalized communities, we can ensure that children who often lack access to resources and opportunities have the chance to engage in enriching experiences that can set them on a path to success. The Princeton-Blairstown Center has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact such opportunities can have on young people. Through our Summer Bridge and Leader-in-Training Programs, we have seen students gain confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a love for learning.
As we celebrate National Summer Learning Week, let us reaffirm our commitment to empowering all children with the resources and support they need to thrive academically and socially. Together, we can create a future where every child has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential, irrespective of their socioeconomic background.
By understanding the importance of and financially supporting high-quality summer learning opportunities for historically marginalized communities, we can collectively work towards a more equitable and inclusive society.
Pam Gregory
President & CEO, Princeton-Blairstown Center
NJ Nonprofit Arts and Culture Still Need Support
Devastating effects of the pandemic continue for arts and cultural groups.
You’ve heard it said a lot lately: “Recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over.” This is absolutely true for so many, including New Jersey’s entire nonprofit arts and culture industry.
When COVID-19 hit, the effects were devastating — shuttered venues, lost audiences, earned income reduced to zero, decreased private contributions, staffing slashed, reserves burned and endowments eroded. Arts and cultural groups clawed their way back to where they sit today through extraordinary innovation, perseverance and responsible use of federal Paycheck Protection Program loans and Shuttered Venue Operating Grants.
Initially, private sector contributions were of great help. Government support and corporate/foundation measures totaled over $150 million. They were, however, necessary simply to survive and try to rebuild after pandemic safety protections were lifted. Full recovery is still far off as staffing levels are skeletal, private contributions remain reduced, audiences and their dollars are slow to return, deficits have widened and the post-pandemic costs of operation have skyrocketed.
New Jersey’s nonprofit arts are alive because of the Murphy administration’s generous annual appropriations. But the nonprofit arts and culture industry desperately and deservedly needs support from the second wave of federal funding, the American Rescue Plan. New Jersey received $10.9 billion from the ARP. Currently, there is a measure before the state Legislature, companion bills S-2800 and A-4233, which would dedicate $70 million for arts and culture in the form of competitive grants through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. This amount is less than one-tenth of 1% of total ARP funds awarded to New Jersey and would help recoup lost revenue and move a step closer to a more complete recovery.
You can make a difference by contacting your state legislators and asking them to support S-2800/A-4233. ArtPride New Jersey makes it easy at artpridenj.org/actnow.
The nonprofit arts industry in New Jersey reaches over 8 million people each year, employs nearly 22,000 skilled workers and brings back over $662 million to our state’s economy. Your help is needed as an advocate and arts consumer who wants to continue to enjoy a lively and creative arts scene in your community. The arts lifted your spirits throughout the pandemic. We need them to not only survive but thrive. Support American Rescue Plan funds for our creative industries, and while appeals land in your inbox, please consider a personal donation to your local arts venue. Know that your support will help ensure that a dynamic arts and culture community continues to bloom in the Garden State.
Adam Perle
Adam Perle is president and CEO of ArtPride NJ.
Ann Marie Miller
Ann Marie Miller is director of Advocacy and Public Policy for ArtPride NJ.
For more news on NJ Spotlight, visit www.njspotlightnews.org.
