DETROIT, MI – Oct. 30, 2025 – Ballmer Group and United Way for Southeastern Michigan will host an “Autumn Appreciation” event to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the 2025 Summer Discovery program and announce a significant expansion of the program for 2026.
Fueled by a $62 million grant from Ballmer Group, Summer Discovery has demonstrated remarkable growth and success for nearly 30,000 students across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties—an increase of over 10,000 students from last year, including 3,441 more Detroit youth.
“The extraordinary results from Summer Discovery Michigan’s second year demonstrate the powerful impact achievable when we invest in evidence-based educational programs,” said Kylee Mitchell Wells, Executive Director for Southeast Michigan at Ballmer Group. “Seeing almost 30,000 students achieve double-digit proficiency growth in both math and English language arts validates our partnership and investment. As we build on this success in 2026 and beyond, we’re committed to expanding this transformative program across southeastern Michigan.”
Unprecedented Academic Gains:
Students excelled, with proficiency rising by 17 percentage points in English Language Arts and 20 points in math—outpacing all comparable summer programs. The average score growth of 16 points is a testament to the program’s robust instruction and enrichment activities.
Applications Now Open for 2026:
With sights set on increasing its reach, Summer Discovery is now accepting applications from schools and community organizations. Early applicants will receive funding decisions by the end of December, ensuring a head start for next summer’s success.
“The data from Summer Discovery’s second year confirms what we’ve believed all along—that when we invest in high-quality, engaging summer programming, our children have the opportunity to thrive,” said Jeff Miles, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “As we open applications for 2026 with a bold goal of increasing the number of students in the program, we encourage every qualifying school and parent in our community to join this movement.” Impact Highlights:
• 97% of grantees and 93% of families say students are better prepared for the new school year. after attending Summer Discovery.
• 87% of families found the program helping them balance work and education.
• 83% said it helped their family save money.
• 87% of educators reported that they saw student academic growth in ELA and Math.
• 96% of 2024 Summer Discovery grantees returned to serve students in 2025
• An overwhelming 90% of families said they would return next year if given the option.
About Ballmer Group
Ballmer Group is committed to improving economic mobility for children and families in the United States, funding leaders and organizations that have demonstrated the ability to reshape opportunity. We focus on multiple impact areas and systems that can impact economic mobility, such as early learning, K-12 education, college and career pathways, housing, behavioral health, and criminal justice. Ballmer Group is both a national and regional funder—we have a presence and invest deeply in southeast Michigan, Washington state, and Los Angeles County. Ballmer Group was co-founded by philanthropist Connie Ballmer and her husband Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft, founder of USAFacts, and chairman of the Los Angeles Clippers. Learn more at www.ballmergroup.org.
About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan, a member of the United Way Worldwide network and an independently governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to helping households achieve stability and ensuring that children have the resources they need to thrive. For over 100 years, United Way has been a leader in creating positive, measurable, and sustainable change in communities throughout Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties The organization collaborates with donors, agencies, corporations, and municipal partners to support essential services such as housing, food security, healthcare, and education. To give, advocate, volunteer, or learn more, visit UnitedWaySEM.org.