Enhancing Academic Achievement through Summer Learning Labs
What does a typical day look like for students participating in the Summer Learning Labs program? Students begin their mornings strengthening their reading and math skills. Afternoons are spent exploring new interests through hands-on activities designed to build confidence, curiosity, and connection.
This balance of academic support and enrichment helps students continue growing during the summer and return to school ready for the year ahead. The free program brings together schools, nonprofits, and community partners, each contributing their unique strengths to support students academically, socially, and emotionally.
“Meaningful change happens when community organizations and schools bring their unique strengths together. Through partnerships between local nonprofits and East Allen Community Schools and Fort Wayne Community Schools, Summer Learning Labs provides students with the academic support, enrichment, and encouragement they need to enter the new school year ready to succeed.” — Amanda Jamison, Foellinger Foundation Chief Program Officer
Foellinger Foundation awarded the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne up to $2 million through a Special Opportunity grant to help fund the Summer Learning Labs.
Two Foellinger Foundation grantees—Wellspring Interfaith Social Services and the Fort Wayne Urban League—are serving as program sites this summer. Their leaders and staff have seen firsthand how Summer Learning Labs is helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Wellspring Interfaith Social Services
Ermina Mustedanagic, Wellspring CEO, said the partnership reflects Wellspring’s commitment to supporting children and families throughout Allen County. “Providing educational opportunities is a key part of Wellspring’s mission to meet the needs of children and families in Allen County. The Summer Learning Labs program aligns with this mission by helping children continue learning and growing during the summer months. Our goal is that once a child enrolls in a Wellspring program, we pour as much as we can into them by providing academic support, enrichment activities, caring mentors, and opportunities for personal growth.”
For Wellspring Youth Department Co-Director Holly Gillum, the students’ growing confidence has been one of the program’s most rewarding parts. “Seeing all the confidence the children are building has been one of my favorite moments so far this summer. It’s inspiring to see how comfortable the kids are with the staff and teachers.”
Fort Wayne Urban League
Aisha Arrington, President and CEO of Fort Wayne Urban League, spoke about serving students with the greatest economic need and the least opportunity. “Although our partnership included only 25 student spots, our site served families in the poorest zip code in Allen County, where access to quality educational opportunities is especially important. By working with a smaller group of students, we were able to provide more individualized, one-on-one academic support to children who are struggling the most. This approach helped us meet students where they are, strengthen their skills, and ensure they received the attention and encouragement they need to succeed.”
Program Director Dinora Miller has seen that impact extend well beyond academics. “One student was hesitant to stay on his second day, and even his mother doubted he would want to continue. We worked closely with him, and by that afternoon he’d made a friend and was smiling at lunch. He’s come back every day, participating fully in math class and becoming more active and social with the rest of the group.”
When asked what she’d like the community to know about the program’s impact, Dinora added, “These kids notice who shows up for them all summer, and that consistency tells them their growth is worth investing in.”
Thank you to the nonprofit organizations, school partners, educators, and community collaborators who made Summer Learning Labs possible. Through your partnership and shared commitment to students, more young people will begin the school year ready to learn—knowing their community believes in their potential.
By working together to champion opportunity for Allen County youth, you are investing in students’ success and in a stronger future for our entire community.