The U.S. Department of Education announced the 2024 U.S. Department of Education Engage Every Student “Recognition Program Champions” on June 13, 2024.

Across the country, thirteen non-profit organizations and city municipalities, working in partnership with local schools, are being honored for their efforts to expand access to high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs for students. Read more here.

Compass for Kids’ summer learning program, Camp Compass, in partnership with Springfield Public Schools – District 186 and the United Way of Central Illinois, wrapped up with its largest year to date with over 924 campers enrolled at seven sites with over 315 employees.

Camp Compass began in 2013 and has a proven track record of measurable results.  Statistics show that 96.1% of campers maintained or improved their literacy skills, 89% of campers improved or maintained their math skills, and 97.7% improved their social-emotional skills in 2024.

All the children in Camp Compass are from low-income households. They are facing additional hardships such as: experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, foster care, suspected abuse or neglect, a parent who is deceased or incarcerated, or being academically behind.