By Tom Lally, Building Kentucky
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is tackling students’ “summer slide” with nearly a month of free, weekday, educational programming. More than 7,000 students in first through 12th grade are enrolled in the 2025 Summer Success League (formerly Backpack League). The program is operating from June 16 to July 11, excluding holidays, at 54 school and community sites.
“Offering students engaging educational experiences mixed with fun activities will prevent academic regression over the summer months,” said Chris Burba, JCPS Executive Director of Student Programs. “The Success League gives students meaningful growth experiences so they’re ready for the next school year.”
JCPS’ summer programming includes daily lessons in literacy, math, and enrichment, STEAM activities, and ACT preparation for high schoolers. Participants can build grade-level skills, make new friends, and create projects. For the sixth year, Evolve502 is JCPS’ partner for the summer programming.
“The Summer Success League makes a crucial difference for students across Jefferson County,” Evolve502 Executive Director Marland Cole said. “Every summer, we have an opportunity to engage and empower students while limiting summer learning loss. We’re thankful to JCPS and so many of the youth-serving organizations who make the Summer Success League possible. As a community convener and provider of cradle-to-career support for students, Evolve502 is proud to partner with this program that demonstrates our collective commitment to preparing youth for success.”
Each day, students at every Success League site will engage in:
- A minimum of 60 minutes of literacy instruction
- A minimum of 60 minutes of numeracy instruction
- 45 minutes of unified/related arts instruction
- 60 minutes of enrichment activities
Since its inception in the summer of 2019, the program has served more than 44,000 students.
