Boston Beyond and the Boston Private Industry Council’s proposal to create summer learning and employment for young people in Boston and other Gateway cities has been advanced to the top 100 solutions worldwide under consideration for the MacArthur Foundation’s 100&Change, a $100 million grant competition to address one of the world’s most critical social challenges.

The proposal, “Summer For All: A Third Semester of Work & Learning,” highlights how Boston can build on its proven summer learning and employment initiatives so that all young people benefit, regardless of their family income or home zip code. With the MacArthur grant, the effort can expand its model to Worcester, Lawrence, Springfield and New Bedford, while going even deeper to reach more students and families in Boston. 

“In Boston, we are proud to lead the way in providing vital opportunities for our students to learn and grow all year long,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “Research shows us that summer learning helps students develop their math, reading, and social-emotional skills, all of which are key to closing opportunity gaps. We see the benefits of this program and look forward to continuing to expand its reach to serve even more students in the future.”

See our project factsheet here. View our full proposal as part of the Lever for Change Bold Solutions Network here.