Every child deserves to experience the thrill of attending a summer camp that might interest them and the United Way of Southeastern Michigan and Ballmer Group are working to make that happen.

For the second year students in K-8 will have the opportunity to attend Summer Discovery.

And because of a $60 million investment from Ballmer Group nearly twice as many children as last year will be able to enroll in the free all day transformative summer learning and enrichment program.

The first year of Summer Discovery in 2024 was a pilot program. It proved to not only be fun but academically successful.

Students demonstrated growth in both ELA and math, with average scores increasing by 16 points in ELA and 14 points in math from pre- to post-tests. Additionally, students who started in the Summer Discovery program with the lowest scores showed the greatest academic growth.

“Providing high -quality summer learning and enrichment through Summer Discovery is delivering real results. Last year, participating Detroit area students saw gains, including increases in math achievements and educational engagement. The data underscores what parents and families already know: students succeed when they have access to high-quality summer learning opportunities in their communities,” said Darienne Hudson, president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan, in a news release. “We are thrilled to expand access to this life-changing program and encourage families to enroll now to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.”

Those who attend the camp will experience a mix of academic instruction and hands-on enrichment activities tailored to rising K-8 students. Some of the activities will include:

• STEM projects and coding

• Outdoor adventures and field trips

• Music, art and creative expression

• Sports and wellness activities

• Social-emotional learning experiences

This year’s edition of Summer Discovery will be offered to 32,000 K-8 students at 188 sites across Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. Enrollment is now open for the free program being offered by a number of participating schools and organizations. A site finder on the website will provide a guide to programs in the area.

Macomb County schools received more than $2.7 million in order to offer the Summer Discovery at eight different locations including:

• Center Line Preparatory Academy at 8155 Ritter St, Center Line

• Eastpointe Community Schools

• Great Oaks Academy at 4257 Bart Ave., Warren

• Michigan Math and Science Academy at 27300 Dequindre Rd, Warren

• Michigan Math and Science Academy 28501 Lorraine Ave, Warren, MI 48093

• Reach Charter Academy National Heritage Schools at 25275 Chippendale St., Roseville

• New Dawn Academy (NDA) at 8200 Irving Rd., Sterling Heights

• Academy of Warren at 13943 8 Mile Rd, Warren, MI 48089

“As a parent I am grateful for this summer mentorship program. My two sons, Kyon, 7, and Khalil, 10, had the incredible opportunity to engage with dedicated mentors who not only provided leadership developmental skills and training in mathematics but also served as positive role models,” said Kiada Shanklin of last year’s program. “For the first time in their academic journey they were able to learn from and interact with educators who inspired them to embrace their potential and pursue their interests with confidence.”

For more information or to find a summer camp nearby visit unitedwaysem.org/resources/summer-discovery/locations/