WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) today introduced a resolution to designate July 10, 2008, as “Summer Learning Day.” The resolution, intended to promote greater opportunities for summer learning activities nationwide, comes amidst recent research showing that two-thirds of the achievement gap between low-income children and their more affluent peers can be explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities. The resolution was co-sponsored by Senators Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.), Russ Feingold (D-Wis.), Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), Richard G. Lugar (R-Ind.), Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va).

“As a United States Senator, it is my job to speak up for those who might not otherwise have a voice. One of the most important groups I can speak up for is our children,” said Senator Mikulski. “Throughout my career I have fought to ensure children have the resources they need to succeed, and I will continue to fight to make sure no child is left out or left behind.”

Studies indicate that differences in learning opportunities during the summer contribute to the achievement gaps that separate struggling poor and minority students from their more affluent peers. Test scores also show a significant drop for disadvantaged students throughout the summer months. Disparities grow and become more significant each summer during the elementary school years, with disadvantaged students falling further and further behind as they progress through school.

Summer learning programs are proven to remedy, reinforce and accelerate learning, and can serve to close the achievement gap in education. This year marks the second annual “Summer Learning Day,” sponsored by the Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University, and designed to highlight the need for more young people to be engaged in summer learning activities and to support local summer programs that benefit children, families and communities.

Last year, summer program providers held over 140 events in 34 states to commemorate Summer Learning Day. It is estimated that at least 300 events will be held across the country this year. For more information, call Jeffrey Smink at (410) 516-7436.