The new programs represent an investment of over $70m and were announced by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker at Canton’s Galvin Middle School on April 30. This will include special Acceleration Academies, small classes that work on a single subject like literacy, math, and college prep. Local youth development centers such as the Boys & Girls Club will help to supplement school offerings with recreation programs to aid in developing physical and social skills.
Baker expressed the need for expanded programming as schools reopen for in-person learning:
“While we obviously can’t make up for all the days that have been lost, the classroom celebrations that have been missed, we can make up for some of the missed learning opportunities.”
The state will also issue Summer School Matching Grants to allow local school boards to offer four-to-six-week programs that combine academics and recreation and Summer Acceleration to College classes for recent high school graduates. Programs like these often use tools like brochure printing and public service announcements to raise awareness and encourage enrolment. These extended programs are set to run for multiple years, and will also feature support for mental health and students learning English as an additional language.
Massachusetts’ Acceleration Academies and other summer programs will run from June to August in Canton and across the state.