ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Since 2021 the District Summer Learning Network has partnered with more than 140 school districts and six state departments of education to transform summer learning programs and outcomes, by putting research into practice.
Now, AASA, The School Superintendents Association and FHI 360 announce the launch of a new phase of the District Summer Learning Network (DSLN) — an initiative designed to help school districts across the country unlock the full potential of summer learning programs to improve student academic outcomes and well-being. Access to this newly expanded network is open to all U.S. school districts at no charge, thanks to generous support from The Wallace Foundation. This partnership brings FHI 360’s summer learning expertise and model for change management to AASA’s 10,000+ members nationwide.
“With strategic funding and support in aligning research, summer can be a game changer with significant impact on a student’s academic outcomes,” says Nancy Gannon, DSLN Project Director and Senior Advisor for Teaching and Learning at FHI 360. “With support from The Wallace Foundation, DSLN will continue to be a space that helps districts meet their ambitious goals for young people.”
In a 2025 DSLN survey:
- 98% of respondents said that DSLN improved their use of evidence-based summer learning practices
- 93% of respondents said that DSLN helped improve outcomes for students, families, and staff
As the premier association for school system leaders and the national voice for public education and district leadership, AASA is proud to elevate the power of summer learning with educational leadership across the country. Together, the organizations seek to increase the number of districts and states that are crafting bold new visions for summer, focused on accelerated learning, enriching experiences and whole child development.
You can read more on the DSLN project hub here. To request a consultation or join DSLN, you can fill out the interest form here or contact summerlearning@fhi360.org.
About AASA
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.
About FHI 360
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization that mobilizes research, resources and relationships so that people everywhere can access the opportunities they need to lead full, healthy lives. Our staff of more than 2,000 experts work in over 50 countries around the world. In the United States, we work to improve the well-being of all Americans by focusing on what can help them succeed: education, employment and health.
Contact:
Lara Wade
Director of Communications, AASA
Mobile: (813) 833-1498
lwade@aasa.org