Media Advisory

Baltimore, MD (July 9, 2007) - The Center for Summer Learning at The Johns Hopkins University, which works to create opportunities for high-quality summer learning for all young people, announced it has received a $15,000 grant from Staples Foundation for Learning (SFFL), a private foundation created by Staples Inc. Funding from SFFL will support “National Summer Learning Day,” an annual celebration that promotes the importance of summer learning in communities across the country. This is the fifth grant Center for Summer Learning has received from Staples Foundation for Learning.

This year, National Summer Learning Day will take place on Thursday, July 12, and will include events with policymakers on Capitol Hill designed to illustrate the benefits of summer learning, and highlight the need for public and private investment in high-quality summer programs. More than 130 events are planned in 33 states and the District of Columbia.

“The best summer programs balance academics and recreation, providing a safe and engaging environment for children,” says Ron Fairchild, executive director of the Center for Summer Learning. “The generosity of supporters like Staples Foundation for Learning helps advance our mission to ensure more kids have enriching summer experiences and return to school in the fall eager and ready to learn.”

“National Summer Learning Day recognizes the importance of ensuring children continue their educational development throughout the summer months,” said Joy Errico, spokesperson for Staples Foundation for Learning. “Staples Foundation for Learning has supported this program throughout the year because it is effective at preparing youth to be productive and successful in school.”

About the Center for Summer Learning
The mission of the Center for Summer Learning is to create opportunities for high-quality summer learning for all young people. Founded in 1992, the center has a proven track record of developing, evaluating, and promoting summer learning programs that improve student achievement and youth development. Over the past 15 years, the center has grown from operating a local program serving 50 children to become the only national organization focused exclusively on summer learning. Last year, the center helped generate more than $12 million of public investment in summer learning programs that reached more than 25,000 children and youth. In addition, the center provided training to more than 2,000 summer program providers in 20 states, serving a total of more than one million youth. For information about the Center for Summer Learning, visit http://www.summerlearning.org.

About Staples Foundation for Learning
The mission of Staples Foundation for Learning, Inc. is to teach, train and inspire. Founded in 2002, the foundation has contributed nearly $11.5 million to national and local charities that provide educational opportunities and job skills for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth. Staples Foundation for Learning has also developed lasting relationships with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Earth Force, Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. In addition, Staples Foundation for Learning supports Ashoka, an organization that develops and supports social entrepreneurs around the world, in eight countries: Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Spain and the United States. For more information about the foundation or how to apply for a grant, please visit http://www.staplesfoundation.org.