Summer Discovery grantees offer students the opportunity to explore their interests, engage in their communities, and discover their potential through robust enrichment and academic programming. This summer learning program is free for families and provides fun learning experiences to support the whole child in their educational journey and life beyond the classroom.
Apply by November 7 to receive an award decision by December 19.
Apply by December 12 to receive an award decision by January 30.
Apply by January 30 to receive an award decision by February 27.
Summer Discovery serves Rising 1st – Rising 9th graders (students who complete grades K-8 in spring 2026) in three Southeastern Michigan counties: Macomb, Wayne, and Oakland.
Ballmer Group generously funds Summer Discovery, allowing Rising 1st — Rising 9th grade students to attend free high quality education programs during the summer. Programs are provided at no cost to families and feature fun and engaging learning experiences to support the whole child.
Still have questions? Email us at
summerdiscoverymi@buildingimpact.co
and we’ll make sure your questions are answered.
increase in students demonstrating proficiency in English language arts
increase in students demonstrating proficiency in math
of families felt that Summer Discovery prepared their child for the upcoming school year
of families felt Summer Discovery enhanced their child's personal development
Studies show that students can lose up to two months of grade-level equivalency in math skills during the summer, with reading comprehension also taking a hit. For younger students, these losses can accumulate over time, leading to broader achievement gaps as they progress through school. Summer learning loss disproportionately affects children from low-income families, who may lack access to educational resources and enrichment opportunities during the break.
Summer Discovery directly addresses this issue by offering robust academic and enrichment activities that keep students engaged and learning throughout the summer. By blending hands-on projects, creative exploration and social-emotional learning, the program helps children retain and build on the skills they have learned during the school year.
