Evaluation results show PK-8 students enrolled in BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life)-powered summer learning programs gained an average of 2 months in literacy skills and 3 months in math skills, preventing summer slide, which reverses achievement gains made during the school year.

BELL partners design and deploy holistic, scalable summer and afterschool learning experiences utilizing BELL’s comprehensive evidence-based out-of-school-time education solution. Refined and replicated for over 25 years, BELL-powered programs blend rigorous literacy and math instruction with hands-on enrichment, social emotional development, and community engagement.

An estimated 7.5 million K-8 students from underserved communities are performing significantly below grade level, and up to two-thirds of the academic achievement gap is due to lack of access to summer learning programs.

BELL is the nation’s largest evidence-based summer learning program, and is delivered via partnerships with school districts and national youth-serving organizations such as the YMCA and 4-H. This year, approximately 15,000 enrolled students, known as scholars, participated in BELL-powered programs at 135 sites in 34 states. Over 94 percent of teachers trained by BELL reported higher self-confidence among scholars; 88 percent of parents reported that their child now has a better ability to overcome challenges, while 91 percent said their child is better prepared for school in the fall.

“Our academic outcomes and survey results confirm once again that increasing access to high-quality learning experiences beyond the school year helps students get ahead when they return to school in the fall,” says BELL CEO Dr. Lauren Sanchez Gilbert.

Approximately 91 percent of educators surveyed say BELL improved their professional skills and more than 92 percent found working with BELL personally rewarding. About 82 percent of scholar parents say they are more involved in their child’s education and more than 92 percent would recommend BELL to other parents.

BELL guides partners through all stages of their summer or afterschool programs, including program design, program management, measurement, and instruction. BELL-powered programs empower educators with 21st century learning and whole-child development skills to transform the academic achievements, self-confidence, and life trajectories of children living in under-resourced communities.