Philadelphia found a way to keep kids learning in the summer, without federal dollars

It's a sweltering summer day in early July, and 13-year-old Ra'laya Myers is thrilled to be at school in North Philadelphia.

"Everybody is like, literally, family here," she says. "It's a safe space."

Ra'laya is one of about 5,200 School District of Philadelphia students attending the Summer Achievers program, a free six-week summer camp for rising first- through eighth-graders.
"You're not just sitting here learning like it's regular school. You're having fun while you're learning," she says. "So you're never going to be bored here."

Each day begins with about four hours of math and English language arts instruction, while the afternoons are reserved for fun activities ranging from arts and crafts to drama and sports. Campers also go on weekly field trips to places like an aquarium.

This program didn't exist before the pandemic.

https://www.npr.org/2025/07/23/nx-s1-5432692/philadelphia-summer-learning-federal-funding-schools

It can be done. Just gotta get creative.