Search

Preliminary research indicates that summer enrichment programs may have a positive impact on overall student development K-12, including academic motivation and engagement. The majority of this research has focused upon gifted students, although there is a burgeoning body of research detailing the impact of summer programs on at-risk or economically disadvantaged youth. This paper describes Summer Learning Camps, an innovative summer-based intervention developed and conducted by Louisiana Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (LA GEAR UP) and Louisiana Tech University that targets students of low socioeconomic status attending low-performing schools. The overall purpose of the Summer Learning Camps is to motivate students to plan and prepare to enter post secondary education upon graduation from high school. Preliminary data concerning the impact of this approach on participating students are discussed. (Contains 2 tables.)