2011
EXCELLENCE IN SUMMER
LEARNING AWARD
APPLICATION INFORMATION
—DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION—FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2011—
OVERVIEW
The Excellence in Summer Learning Award recognizes outstanding summer programs that
demonstrate excellence in accelerating academic achievement and promoting healthy development
for young people between pre-kindergarten and twelfth grade. The award is given annually based on
an application and interview process that elicits information on a program’s history, mission, goals,
operations, management, staff development, partnerships, results and sustainability. Applicants are
reviewed by NSLA staff in addition to peer organizations in the field. We also conduct site visits
to a select group of finalists to observe program activities before announcing the awards.
The Excellence in Summer Learning Award seeks to find and draw national attention to exemplary
programs which provide and expand access to high-quality summer learning experiences for all
young people. The award does not give preference to applicants based on program location or size.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL SUMMER LEARNING ASSOCIATION
Our vision is for every child to be safe, healthy, and engaged in learning during the summer. To
realize that vision, our mission is to connect and equip schools and community organizations to
deliver quality summer learning programs to our nation’s youth to help close the achievement gap.
The National Summer Learning Association serves as a network hub for thousands of summer
learning program providers and stakeholders across the country, providing tools, resources, and
expertise to improve program quality, generate support, and increase youth access and participation.
We offer professional development, quality assessment and evaluation, best practices dissemination
and collaboration, and strategic consulting to states, school districts, community organizations, and
funders. Our efforts are focused on achieving the following results:
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Increase the number of providers offering high-quality summer learning programs to young
people living in poverty;
Increase the number of organizations and policymakers that identify summer learning as a
public policy priority; and
Increase funding for high-quality summer learning programs for young people who currently
lack choices and opportunities.
BENEFITS OF THE AWARD
Simply by applying for the Excellence Award, programs connect themselves to a national movement
that’s improving the quality of summer learning programs. All programs that apply receive detailed
written feedback on their program, highlighting both strengths and opportunities for improvement
based on the National Summer Learning Association’s quality standards. All programs that apply
will also be recognized publicly by the Association and will be catalogued into a database of
innovative program features to be used in national trainings and presentations.
This year, we are specifically looking for models of excellence in school-community partnership
programs, transition programs and STEM programs. Programs do not need to be award winners to
be recognized in these areas.
Previous winners have received many benefits from this award including professional networking,
publicity, and publishing opportunities. The Association strives to work with each award winner to
support the program’s development and promote it among media and policy makers in support of
our mission. Past winners of the Excellence in Summer Learning Award have participated in policy
forums on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on National Summer Learning Day and have received
considerable local and national press.
The winners will receive many benefits from receiving the award, including:
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National recognition. The Association will feature the winner(s) at the annual national
summer learning conference, in an eBulletin to be distributed to Association stakeholders,
on the Association’s website, and through special events and select publications. A special
edition printed Bulletin describing each winning program and its accomplishments will be
distributed at the national conference, with copies and electronic file provided to each
winner.
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Conference presentations. The winner(s) will be invited to participate in panel
discussions, funder summits or conference presentations on behalf of the National Summer
Learning Association.
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Media opportunities. The Association will feature the winning program(s) in its 2011
summer learning public relations efforts, and provide the winner(s) with materials including
a press release, and research-supported facts about summer learning for use with the media.
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Professional networking opportunities for staff. The Association will work to involve
the winner(s) in opportunities to foster connections with the summer learning field.
Additionally, the Association’s staff will endeavor to support and further the growth and
development of the winning program(s). The Association will call upon the winner(s) to
participate in various events and advisory groups.
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Increased publishing opportunities. Throughout the upcoming year, the Association will
work with the winner(s) to coordinate joint conference presentations and publishing
opportunities.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for the award, applicants must:
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Be a public or private organization or agency (schools, community-based organizations,
libraries, universities, faith-based organizations, etc.) OR a collaboration of the
aforementioned organizations or agencies*;
Serve young people between pre-kindergarten and twelfth grade over the summer months;
Strive to accelerate academic achievement and promote healthy development as a central
goal of the program;
Have operated a program for at least two summers;
Demonstrate a strong commitment to equity and to expanding access to summer learning in
high-poverty communities.
Additional consideration will be given to programs serving disadvantaged communities or
populations.
*If your program represents collaboration between two or more organizations or is a part of a
national organization, please submit only one application prepared collaboratively rather than
separate applications for the same program or model prepared by the different representatives.
Restrictions: Previous award winners may not apply for three (3) years following receipt of the
award.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Excellence in Summer Learning Award is a competitive application process directly
administered by the National Summer Learning Association. Please review the following steps:
1. To begin the process, applicants must become an Association member at
www.summerlearning.org. (Joining the Association as a “Friend of Summer Learning” is a
free service that will connect you to the latest news and updates.) If you are already an
existing member, go straight to the Excellence Award Application page.
2. Go the Excellence Award Application page at
www.summerlearning.org/excellenceawardapp and download the Application Worksheet.
Use the worksheet as a brainstorm for answering the narrative questions. Please do not
include the application worksheet with your final submission.
3. On the same page, download and complete the cover page and narrative application
questions. The program narrative details the program’s background information,
infrastructure and point-of-service. The narrative portion of your application should not
exceed nine (9) single spaced pages in size 11 font or larger. Include a chart of your
program schedule and requested video submission. Additional attachments may also be
included.
4. Submit applications either electronically or via a postal delivery service by Friday, February
11, 2011, by your local close of business. The National Summer Learning Association is not
responsible for lost applications or files not transmitted electronically.
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Electronic submissions must be e-mailed to Larry Smith at
lsmith@summerlearning.org. Please send the cover page, application, program
schedule, video link, and attachments in one document. Prior applicants have done this
by providing a PDF scan of their application materials. You will receive email
confirmation of receipt.
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Postal delivery submissions must include the completed application plus five
additional copies with attachments. Send physical submissions to the address below:
National Summer Learning Association
Attn: Excellence Award
800 Wyman Park Dr., Suite 110
Baltimore, MD 21211
The award will be made based on the quality of the application, as well as follow-up interviews
and site visits for a selection of programs, as rated by a panel of staff, experts and peers based on
the Association’s quality standards. Applicants will be notified of their status in July 2011.
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Eligible applicants must meet the following timeline in order to be considered for the award. No
exceptions will be made.
November 9, 2010
Award Notice Released; Applications Available
February 11, 2011
Applications Due
April
Semi-Finalists Notified; Phone Interviews Occur
May
Finalists Announced
June-July
Site Visits to Finalists
July-August
Winners Announced
QUESTIONS OR REQUESTS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you have a question about completing your application, or if you need additional information,
contact Larry Smith at lsmith@summerlearning.org.