Summer Programming

There are several awesome summer programs for your child this summer 2025! Please reach out to your social worker if you have any questions.

Community Education Programs (hosted at Whittier):

Natural Leaders will be at Whittier, June 23-August 7, Mon-Thurs, 9:30am-3:30pm, transportation provided, entering grades 1-9. Natural Leaders will explore Minneapolis by bike, canoe, plant gardens, play sports, etc. Learn more and register here.

Líderes Bilingües: Verano de Aprendizaje y Aventura va a estar en Whittier, lunes-jueves, 9:30am-3:30pm, 23 Junio-7 Agosto, grados 1-6. El programa está diseñado para promover el enriquecimiento de la literatura en español e inglés y a la vez celebrar la identidad cultural. El programa incluye actividades como música, artes, juegos al aire libre, deportes y manualidades. Inscripcion aqui.

Community Education Programs (hosted at other MPS schools):

Freedom School will be at Nellie Stone Johnson, June 23-August 8, Mon-Fri, 9:15am-3:45pm, transportation provided, entering grades 1-9. Through a lens of reading, Freedom School students explore their understanding of themselves and all they have in common with others. Learn more and register here.

MPS Summer Scholars (hosted at other MPS schools):

There are unfortunately no programs for students entering Hi5 or kindergarten.

Discovery & Learning Academy will be June 23-July 31, Mon-Thurs, 8:00am-2:30pm, transportation provided, entering grades 1-5. This is the most like "regular school." Math and literacy are an intensive summer focus in this program, and students also participate in music, art and physical education through active and engaging projects. Whittier students will attend Folwell Elementary. Learn more and register here.

GEMS & GISE STEM Academy will be June 23-July 31, Mon-Thurs, 9:15am-3:45pm, transportation provided, entering grades 1-5. Students participate in project-based and problem-based learning, using a hands-on and minds-on approach that integrates the skills of reading and math. Whittier students will attend Lucy Laney (if you live west of 35W) or Waite Park (if you live east of 35 W). Learn more and register here.

GEMS & GISE STEM Academy for entering grades 6-8 will be at Anishinabe/Sullivan, Mon-Thurs, 8:00am-2:30pm, transportation provided. Students participate in project-based and problem-based learning, using a hands-on and minds-on approach that integrates the skills of reading and math. Choose between the 6 week program or the Blast Academy 1-4 week program, affording your family flexibility and choice! Learn more and register here.

Other Summer Programming Resources:

Children of Incarcerated Caregivers hosts summer camps and enrichment opportunities for children and youth who have been impacted by the incarceration of a parent or primary caregiver. They define incarceration as being sentenced to prison, jail, or probation within the last five years. If you think this describes your family and you are interested, reach out to outreach@cicmn.org or check out their webpage here.