July 06, 2026
WHEREAS, Summer Learning Week is a time to reflect on the importance of keeping youth learning, safe, and healthy every summer, ensuring they return to school in the fall ready to succeed in the year ahead; and
WHEREAS, There is still a role for summer youth employment programs to engage older youth. Whether virtual or in-person, with the support of business and community leaders, our youth can learn, gain real world experience, contribute to their community and economy, and experience safer environments through summer jobs, internships, and/or volunteering opportunities; and
WHEREAS, The largest-ever summer learning study conducted by the RAND Corporation found that it was clear that low-income students experienced more setbacks over the summer compared to their wealthier peers; and
WHEREAS, Summer learning programs are proven to maintain and advance students’ academic and social/emotional growth, keep children safe and healthy during the summer, and send young people back to school ready to learn; and
WHEREAS, A wide array of public agencies, community-based organizations, schools, libraries, museums, recreation centers, camps, and businesses in our community contribute to the wellbeing of youth through summer programming; and
WHEREAS, Summer learning is a critical component of our collective effort to ensure all students graduate from high school prepared for college, careers, and life;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, and Garlin Gilchrist, lieutenant governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim July 6-10, 2026 as Summer Learning Week in Michigan.
