In 2022, Bloomberg designed Summer Boost in response to COVID-related learning loss to support students over a five-week period in advancing academic progress in English Language Arts (ELA) and math while providing engaging enrichment opportunities. Bloomberg Philanthropies launched its inaugural Summer Boost program in New York City and then expanded to Baltimore, Birmingham, Indianapolis, Memphis, Nashville, San Antonio, and Washington, D.C. in 2023. At CAST, we’re excited to host Summer Boost camps at three of our campuses this year providing hundreds of students with ELA and Math enrichment opportunities in a fun and exciting way.
According to the Summer Boost 2023 Evaluation Report, researchers found that students who attended Summer Boost in Summer 2023 gained on average 4-5 weeks of learning in math compared to peers and 3-4 weeks in English Language Arts, and that this equates to ~31% of math Covid-related learning loss recovered and ~22% for ELA. Additionally, the program was effective across demographic groups, cities, achievement levels, and grades – and in a variety of contexts and approaches. There were particular bright spots for older students and ELL students.
At CAST Tech, students explored the region surrounding the campus to better understand the area and resources around them with a walking trip along San Pedro Creek Culture park and tours of Central Library and Bibliotech. They were able to learn how to do research using the resources from the BiblioTech thanks to the amazing staff members there.
At CAST Med, students received early lessons on anatomy and the human heart. When the CAST Network visited CAST Med during its camp, one student proudly shared that the human heart pumps almost 2,000 gallons of heart a day! Besides the educational aspect, students also engaged in anatomy-based games and activities to further their learning.
The CAST Network is thankful for Bloomberg Philanthropies and its generous support! By investing in our students today, we are preparing them for a brighter future tomorrow.
