Partnering to support equitable and accessible, whole child summer learning.

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted learning opportunities.

In February 2021, Early Milestones and the Colorado Education Initiative (CEI) sent an open letter launching the Recovery Summer Coalition. Centered on equity, the coalition prioritized partnerships with families to provide children with learning and social-emotional opportunities that summer.

This was a collective effort; our school systems cannot, and should not, carry this burden alone. More than 60 partner organizations took action and responded to parents’ desires and supported whole child learning recovery.

Supporting Local Action

Early Milestones and the Colorado Education Initiative are excited to share a grant opportunity for partner organizations to apply for up to $50,000 to implement programming aligned to the Recovery Summer recommendations. With thanks to the generous support of Caring for Colorado, we are inviting applications to fund community efforts centered on equity and providing whole child supports.

Proposal deadline: May 29, 2021

View the RFP

The Context

of parents felt their children were learning less through remote learning, compared to in-person learning
DPS Parents Poll, Keating Research, January 2021

of parents needed learning resources outside what schools were providing to help children understand a lesson or catch up with the rest of the class
DPS Parents Poll, Keating Research, January 2021

of parents worried the pandemic was affecting their child’s mental health and emotional well-being
National Parents Union Survey, March 2021

Recovery Summer in the News

Colorado Sun | Erica Breunlin
“Colorado School Districts Look Toward Summer to Help Their Students Make Up for Coronavirus Learning Loss.”

Colorado Springs Gazette, Denver Gazette | Rebecca Holmes & Jennifer Stedron
“Opinion: ‘Recovery Summer’ will Re-engage Colorado Students”

The Denver Channel | Nicole Brady
“Colorado Education, Community Leaders Push for Summer Programs to Recover from Learning Loss.”

The 74 Million | Joshua Parrish
“Education Through the Pandemic: 10 Ways States are Coping with COVID-19”