Renee Stikes, Executive Director of Horizons Greater Washington, recently represented the entire Horizons National network at the kickoff of the White House Summer Opportunity Project, which is designed to encourage investment in programs supporting summer learning and summer meals.
Horizons is a member of the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA), focused on closing the achievement gap by increasing access to high-quality summer opportunities for youth.
As part of the White House initiative, the NSLA has committed to creating a national "best practices" knowledge base and network that equips cities, towns, and counties to provide summer learning, meals, and job opportunities to all children and youth who qualify for free and reduced-price meals. The NSLA will convene campaign communities multiple times per year, provide technical assistance, broker resources, generate public awareness through events like National Summer Learning Day on July 14, and advocate for supportive policies.