Summit54 is celebrating 15 years of summer learning in the Roaring Fork Valley, where the nonprofit says it has helped more than 12,000 students avoid summer learning loss while providing working families with a safe, enriching place for their children during summer break.

Founded in 2011, Summit54 was established to improve Colorado’s economy and society through effective, efficient and accountable investments in education.

“For many children, summer vacation means losing valuable academic skills — a phenomenon educators call the ‘summer slide,'” a Summit54 news release states. “Nationally, children without access to quality summer learning programs can lose as much as three months of academic progress during the break.”

In 2026, about 600 elementary-aged students are participating in Summit54’s five-week Summer Advantage program. The nonprofit also recently completed its sixth year of providing free after-school tutoring to about 400 elementary students each trimester who are performing below grade level.

A day in the Summer Advantage program includes breakfast in the classroom, two hours of literacy, one hour of mathematics and a hot lunch. Students then have outdoor recess before two afternoon enrichment classes, which include art, music, dance, nature exploration, STEM and other hands-on learning experiences.

“Every Summer Advantage participant takes nationally recognized STAR Assessments before and after the program. Results have consistently shown students gaining 2.5 to 4 months in both reading and mathematics during the five-week program,” the release states. “When compared with the typical summer learning loss, Summit54 is effectively creating an academic difference of approximately six months for many participating students before they return to school in the fall.”

The program also hosts “Fun Friday” activities featuring guest speakers and educational field trips.

“Every classroom is staffed by a highly qualified Master Teacher and Teaching Assistant, with at least one fluent Spanish-speaking educator in every classroom to ensure families and students receive instruction and support in both English and Spanish,” the release states.

The Summer Advantage program also helps fill a need for families that do not have access to affordable summer child care.

This year’s Summer Advantage participants are 84% Hispanic, 13% white and 2% Black, with 70% identified as English language learners and 82% qualifying for free or reduced-price meals, according to the release.

“Before Summer Advantage was introduced to the Roaring Fork Valley, many elementary-aged children spent long summer days home alone while parents worked — often commuting long distances to and from Aspen,” the release states. “Families frequently worried about their children’s safety, and many children spent their summers isolated indoors with little academic or social engagement. Today, those same children spend their summers learning, exploring, making friends, and building confidence.”

In addition to supporting students and working to prevent the “summer slide,” the Summer Advantage program also supports teachers and helps retain experienced educators in the Roaring Fork Valley, according to Summit54.

The release also points to the program’s long-term impact, noting that five current educators were once students in the same program.

The 2026 Summer Advantage program cost about $800,000 to operate, with support from the Roaring Fork School District.

“The District helps recruit participating families, provides school facilities, utilities, custodial services, transportation for Summer Advantage students, and contributes $100,000 annually toward the program,” the release states.

For more information about the nonprofit, visit summit54.org.