21st CCLC's
Best Summer Ever!
Recruitment & Culture
COMMUNICATE SHARED VALUES
Research shows that young people with high attendance in quality summer learning programs gain an advantage in math and reading. Encouraging high attendance is an extremely important part of running a high-quality summer learning program. Adapting recruitment language for different audiences will build trust with teachers, families, and young people while helping them to see how your program aligns with their priorities.
21st CCLC regulations require that the 21st CCLC summer learning programs must provide safe and accessible environments for students during non-school hours. Program services may be offered at the school and at other locations. If services are offered at other locations, the site must be as accessible as if it were at the students’ own school. All centers must provide a range of high-quality services to support student learning and development. There must be a clear plan for safety, nutrition, equitable participation of all program participants, and communication between schools and summer and afterschool programs.
Include all instructional and site staff in academic professional development and emphasize that engaging, academic learning is part of summer fun
Develop accurate, timely recruitment materials that are personalized for targeted young people and their families
Establish a clear attendance policy and track the number of enrollees who never attend along with daily attendance tracking
Sample Outcomes
5% increase in the number of young people registered from targeted populations over the previous year’s program
75% of adult family members report that program offerings met or exceeded their expectations
Recruitment materials were disseminated through 1-2 previously unused communication methods or messengers
1. Get the Word Out
Use recruitment materials and events to inform, excite, and prepare youth and families.
How will achieving 21st CCLC summer learning goals support youth readiness for the coming school year?
Why should families trust your program to keep their children safe, engaged, and learning this summer?
What exciting field trips or activities do young people most want to experience?
What key details will help families decide to participate and prepare for consistent attendance?
2. Equip Trusted Messengers
Lean on principals, teachers, enrichment partners, and engaged family members to promote your 21st CCLC summer learning program through familiar methods.
How might you leverage routine communication methods and events that are already informing families during the school year, including during afterschool programs?
Who in your school community is well positioned to help families see that summer learning is critical to achieving academic outcomes? Who are the “fun” teachers or school leaders that young people love to be around?
Where could you include the voices of youth and families who loved and learned from your 2022 summer learning program?
3. Prepare for a Safe, Healthy, and Enriching Summer
Develop and share a detailed plan to ensure that all learning environments are safe and accessible and that participating youth have access to healthy foods and adequate transportation.
Family Connection
How might you use the recruitment process to support parents and adult caregivers to grow as Adult Education Champions?
Adult Education Champions: Engaged adults understand the power of human connection and insist that students have the pathways to reach their full potential.