United Way’s Summer Step Up is helping thousands of kids stay back to school ready
For many children, the transition back to school each fall can be daunting. United Way of Massachusetts Bay’s Summer Step Up partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care is designed to smooth that transition—helping young learners feel confident, prepared, and excited for the year ahead.
Through extended-day programming, preschool camps, and engaging enrichment activities, Summer Step Up provides no-cost opportunities for children to continue learning outside of the traditional school year.
Originally created in the summer of 2021 to introduce or reintroduce children to in-person learning following a year of remote learning and isolation, these programs have not only strengthened academic skills but also build social-emotional resilience—skills like cooperation, problem-solving, and self-confidence that are essential for success in the classroom.
Why Summer Step Up Works for School Readiness
Research shows that on average, students lose one month of school-year learning over the summer, with economically disadvantaged children disproportionately affected. Without high-quality summer learning, income-based gaps in reading and math widen each year.
The Summer Step Up partnership effectively:
- Combines academics and enrichment, strengthening early literacy and STEM skills.
- Provides 6+ weeks of full-day programming, giving children routine and structure similar to school.
- Supports social-emotional growth through relationship building and play-based learning.
- Helps children—especially those without preschool experience—gain critical readiness skills like early math, early reading, attention, and self-regulation, which research identifies as powerful predictors of later success (Duncan, 2007; Blair & Raver, 2015)
In short, Summer Step Up addresses the academic, social, and behavioral foundations of school readiness, preparing students to step confidently into kindergarten and beyond.
Impact Across Massachusetts
Last summer alone, nearly 2,000 students in 28 communities across Massachusetts benefited from Summer Step Up. Families reported that their children returned to school more engaged and ready to learn, while teachers saw improved readiness in literacy, math, and classroom behavior.
“Programs like Summer Step Up are crucial in ensuring that students receive quality summer learning, especially as federal funding for summer programming is at risk,” says Marty Martinez, President and CEO of United Way of Massachusetts Bay. “Communities are being provided an effective model that prioritizes children and families and their academic needs as they prepare for school.”
That impact is echoed by community partners:
- “We truly appreciate the United Way's continued support. This funding helps us provide safe, engaging, and enriching environments that keep young minds active and curious all summer long. Families breathe a little easier knowing their children are in good hands.”
— Mary Kinsella Scannell, Senior Vice President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester
- “This is absolutely AMAZING! Working with United Way to positively impact children this summer and support families is a partnership that I am fortunate to have.”
— Tracy Fuller, Executive Director, Haverhill YMCA
- “These are such critical dollars, especially with federal camp funding evaporating. We are truly grateful for this support.”
— Monica Lombardo, Vice President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South
- “Even when dollars are stretched, I continue to be impressed by the creative, collaborative work our teams accomplish together. These are the critical years—the ones that remind us what’s possible even with less, and prepare us to do even more when the opportunity comes full circle.”
— Chris Lovasco, President & CEO, YMCA of the North Shore
By fostering academic growth, building social-emotional resilience, and helping families access high-quality programming, Summer Step Up ensures that Massachusetts students don’t lose ground during the summer months—and instead, start the school year ready to thrive.
To learn more about Summer Step Up and how it benefits kids and families, visit: unitedwaymassbay.org/impact/early-education-and-out-of-school-time