In Congressional Briefing on “Summer for All” Legislation, Newark Public Schools Serves as National Model of Summer Learning

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Newark Public Schools served as a national model of summer learning success during a congressional briefing in support of the proposed Summer for All Act. The federal legislation would expand access to high-quality summer learning opportunities for children nationwide by providing federal funding to community organizations.

Dr. Julianne Bello, Director of the Office of Extended Learning, participated in the panel discussion as the only representative of a public school district. The briefing also included remarks by U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (CT) and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (NJ), who are both sponsors of the bill.

Dr. Bello highlighted Newark Public Schools’ extensive experience providing innovative extended learning opportunities.  Dr. Bello shared how high-quality summer programs help students strengthen academic skills, engage in enriching experiences, and return to school ready to succeed in the new academic year.

“Newark is on the forefront of reshaping how we think about summer learning.  Innovation, in the form of accelerated academics, engaging enrichment, and rigorous college and career-readiness opportunities has enabled students to not only avoid the ‘summer slide,’ but soar to new heights.  With more than 20 summer programs for students in rising grades K-12, students grow their passions and develop skills through creative curricula, unique programming, higher-education and industry partners, and effective family engagement strategies.” 

Superintendent León said Newark Public Schools is proud to contribute its experience to a national conversation about expanding educational opportunity.

“From the very inception of the district’s historic 10-year strategic plan, The Next Decade: 2020-30, we envisioned learning as an experience that extends beyond the school day and school year,” said Superintendent León. “The strategic plan calls on us to create opportunities that inspire curiosity, accelerate achievement, and prepare every student for success in college, careers, and life. The work taking place in Newark through our summer programs reflects that vision in action. It is gratifying to see our district’s approach helping to inform a national conversation about expanding access to high-quality summer learning, and I appreciate Dr. Bello’s service as our trusted messenger. Every child deserves opportunities to continue learning, growing, and thriving throughout the year.”

“The Board of Education is proud that Newark Public Schools continues to serve as a model for innovation and student success,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “The work our educators have done to develop engaging, high-quality summer learning opportunities reflects our belief that every child deserves access to enriching educational experiences beyond the traditional school calendar. We are encouraged that policymakers are looking to successful districts like Newark as they consider ways to make those opportunities available to students across the country.”

Newark Public Schools has long recognized that summer learning opportunities play an important role in supporting academic achievement while providing students with enriching experiences that complement classroom instruction. The district’s summer programs combine engaging academic experiences with opportunities for creativity, exploration, and social-emotional development, helping students remain connected to learning while school is not in session.

Dr. Bello’s testimony comes as national education leaders continue to emphasize the importance of expanding access to high-quality summer programming to improve student outcomes and ensuring all children have opportunities to learn and thrive throughout the year. The proposed Summer for All Act would establish a dedicated federal framework to help make those opportunities more widely available.

Bello participated in the panel at the invitation of the National Summer Learning Association, which, with the New York Life Foundation, recognized Newark Public Schools with its Excellence In Summer Learning Award in 2024.