News Release Province Expanding Summer Learning Programs July 22, 2013 Ontario Government Helping More Students Succeed Ontario is expanding its support for summer learning programs to help 1,000 more elementary students across the province improve their reading, writing and math skills this summer. The programs help students who may be struggling by providing a mix of classroom learning and recreation programming that builds upon and improves their reading, writing and math skills while boosting their self-confidence. With this expansion, a total of about 2,500 elementary students across the province will be better prepared to go back to school in September. Helping every student succeed is part of the Ontario government's plan to build a prosperous and fair society while ensuring a bright future for the province's young people.

QUICK FACTS The 2013 Ontario Budget announced that the funding for summer learning programs in 2013-14 will be doubled to almost $3 million. Originally called summer literacy programs because of their exclusive focus on literacy skills, the programs were renamed summer learning programs in 2012 when they expanded to include numeracy skills and First Nations, Métis and Inuit programs. Summer learning programs support Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy.

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QUOTES "We are committed to supporting student achievement across the province and closing the gap for those who are struggling. The expansion of summer learning programming will ensure a greater number of students are able to build upon essential skills to prepare them for success in the classroom and beyond."  — Liz Sandals, Minister of Education

CONTACTS Gary Wheeler Communications Branch 416-325-2454 gary.s.wheeler@ontario.ca Lauren Ramey Minister’s Office 416-325-2503 lauren.ramey@ontario.ca Ministry of Education http://www.ontario.ca/education