Editors note: This news story initially aired on Detroit PBS.
In a collaborative effort to combat summer learning loss and bridge educational disparities, United Way for Southeastern Michigan and Ballmer Group have unveiled the new Summer Discovery program. The program provides essential funding and support for instructional and enrichment activities tailored for K-8 students across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties during the summer break.
The program addresses concerns raised by a recent survey conducted by United Way, which found that 76% of parents and 82% of community leaders perceive a lack of sufficient summer enrichment programs in the region. Moreover, 68% of parents cited transportation and cost as barriers to accessing existing programs.