The Engage Every Student Recognition Program was created in 2024 to recognize efforts across the country to expand access to high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs for students. To be recognized, each program has to provide afterschool and/or summer program in one of the 50 states or territories and demonstrate eligibility or excellence in the inaugural year in the following areas:
- Employing evidence-based approaches, including but not limited to prioritizing students needing additional support; having certified teachers delivering the academic instruction and tutoring; and engaging students in experiential learning that could include project-based learning, enrichment, career pathways, and field trips;
- Increasing their programmatic enrollment number of K-12 students from school year (SY) 2022-23 to SY 2023-24 by a minimum of 20%;
- Serving students who attend schools with 40% or more students qualifying for the free and reduced lunch program at the beginning of the 2023-24 SY; and
- Leveraging American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds and state and local funds to expand access to afterschool and summer learning programs for students.
