The U.S. Department of Education announced the 2024 Engage Every Student Recognition Program Champions, honoring 13 non-profit organizations and city municipalities across the country. These entities, working in partnership with local schools, are recognized for their efforts to expand access to high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs.

For this inaugural year, the Department received 57 nominations from 29 states. Each nomination was reviewed by state-level review teams comprising the 50 state afterschool networks and state educational agencies. State finalists were recommended to the Department for final review and consideration.

Nominees demonstrated eligibility and excellence in several areas: employing evidence-based approaches prioritizing students needing additional support; having certified teachers deliver academic instruction and tutoring; engaging students in experiential learning such as project-based learning, enrichment, career pathways, and field trips; increasing programmatic enrollment of K-12 students by at least 20% from SY 2022-23 to SY 2023-24; serving students attending schools with at least 40% qualifying for free or reduced lunch programs; and leveraging American Rescue Plan funds alongside state and local funds to expand access to these programs.

“This year’s Engage Every Student Champions are leading the charge in their local communities and states to ensure that all students nationwide have the opportunity to thrive, learn, and grow through their engagement in high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “Thanks to President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, these awardees include a range of organizations all across the country, with nearly half located in under-resourced or rural communities. Every child deserves the opportunities for out-of-school time enrichment these programs provide.”

The announcement precedes the 2024 Engage Every Student Summit on July 16 in Washington, D.C., which will recognize this year’s champions. The summit will bring together youth, state and local school leaders, elected officials, program providers, and advocates. It aims to showcase successful initiatives in out-of-school time while offering attendees opportunities for learning, exploration, and networking.

The following are recognized as the 2024 U.S. Department of Education Engage Every Student Recognition Program Champions:

CT – Litchfield – Ed Advance BASES in partnership with Torrington School District (Non-Profit)

GA – Atlanta – Camp Twin Lakes in partnership with Hall County School System (Non-Profit)

ID – Idaho Falls – Community Youth in Action in partnership with Idaho Falls School District 91 and Booneville School District 93 (Non-Profit)

IL – Springfield – Compass For Kids Inc., in partnership with Springfield Public Schools - District 186 (Non-Profit)

MD – Baltimore – Arts For Learning Maryland in partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools (Non-Profit)

MS – Ridgeland – Scientific Research SR1 in partnership with Forest Municipal School District (Non-Profit)

NE – Lincoln – Lincoln Community Learning Centers in partnership with Lincoln Public Schools (City Municipality)

NH – Nashua – YMCA of Greater Nashua in partnership with Nashua School District (Non-Profit)

NJ – Fair Lawn – iLearn Schools in partnership with North Jersey Arts & Science Charter Schools & Linden Public School District (Non-Profit)

OH – Youngstown– Ohio Urban Renaissance Association LLC dba MYCAP Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership

OR– Canby– Todos Juntos Incorporated

SC– Florence & Lake City - Boys & Girls Club of Pee Dee Area

SD– Sturgis - Black Hills Special Services Cooperative

Engage Every Student was launched by Secretary Cardona in July 2022 as a call-to-action to provide high-quality out-of-school time learning opportunities for every interested child or youth. Increasing access to such programs is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Improving Student Achievement Agenda.

Learn more about Engage Every Student through resources available for non-profits and city municipalities aiming to expand access to high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs.

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