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District reports 950 students in Summer Discovery grant program, high family satisfaction
Summary
Southfield officials described a federally- and locally-backed summer program with 950 registrants, a 77% attendance rate, project-based learning and vendor partnerships funded by the Bomber Group, United Way and Building Impact.
Southfield Public Schools officials reported on the district’s Summer Discovery grant program — its second year of funding — saying the program served a record number of students, included extended academic and enrichment offerings, and received strong parent feedback.
Executive Director Summer Caldwell Carruthers said the program, funded by the Bomber Group, United Way and Building Impact, operated three sites this summer (two elementary-focused and one middle/high configuration) and registered 950 students with a 77% attendance rate. The program provided at least 90 minutes of daily instruction above the grant minimum and offered electives, mindfulness, STEM, entrepreneurship projects for fifth graders, and college- and career-readiness for older students.
Caldwell Carruthers said organizers split students into three instructional groups based on winter i-Ready diagnostic scores — “innovator,” “explorer,” and “adventurer” — and that teachers implemented project-based-learning units. She described the program as a finalist among Summer Discovery grantees and said the district was invited to an appreciation event at Little Caesars Arena and encouraged to reapply next year.
Parent survey results and logistics District surveys returned high marks: about 90% of parents rated communication as strong, said their children enjoyed the program and reported positive learning experiences. The district said vendors and staff turnout were extensive and that registration for next summer will open the first week of March and close on May 1 to allow the district to finalize contracts, transportation and food service counts.
Why it matters: the program is designed to reduce summer learning loss, provide enrichment and expand community partnerships. District officials highlighted the program’s hands-on work and an end-of-summer student showcase for parents.
Next steps: the district intends to apply again for the Summer Discovery grant, open registration in March and maintain project-based learning and expanded vendor partnerships.
