Summer Discovery 2024 Application 

Early Decision Application Deadline: Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 11:59 PM ET. 

Final Application Deadline: Friday, March 1, 2024, 11:59 PM ET.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

Ballmer Group is making an investment in summer programming for students in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. We know from parents and community leaders that there are not enough summer enrichment programs for students in Southeast Michigan, and we know that barriers such as transportation and cost prevent parents from enrolling their children if spots are available.   

Starting in January 2024, traditional and charter schools can apply for funding to provide instruction and enrichment activities in summer 2024. In its first year, the program will be for students completing grades K-8 in spring 2024 (Rising 1st – Rising 9th graders). 

To be eligible for funding, applicants must represent Macomb, Oakland or Wayne County and serve a student population where at least 50% of students qualify for free lunch. Applicants must operate as a public school or a charter school.  

Schools can apply to receive up to $2,000 per student to support high-quality summer learning programs for up to 100% of their Rising 1st to Rising 9th grade students. For more information on the grant funding model, please review the Grant Funding Model section of the FAQs. 

In line with the existing body of research on effective summer programming, all programs must: 

• Serve students completing grades K-8 in spring 2024 (Rising 1st – Rising 9th graders) in Macomb, Wayne, and Oakland County 
• Provide at least 20 days of summer instruction (excludes assessment-only or enrichment-only days) 
• Provide an average of three hours of high-quality English language arts (ELA) and math instruction over at least 20 days  

• Provide both English language arts (ELA) and math instruction 
• Provide care for students for 8+ hours/day (may include before- and/or after- care), including both academics and enrichment  
• Ensure a student-to-teacher ratio of no more than 25:1 
• Hire teachers who provide the ELA and math academic instruction who are qualified to provide academic instruction during the school year 
• Utilize family engagement strategies, including regular touchpoints with families throughout the summer 
• Administer standardized pre- and post- assessments provided by Summer Discovery 
• Conduct in-person instruction and enrichment 

If questions arise while completing the application, please check out the FAQs or email your question to [email protected]. 

Completing the Application 

This application is only for schools interested in the school-selected curriculum.

• Applicants are encouraged to complete the application in the downloadable Word version of the application and then copy and paste your responses in the application on the website at www.summerdiscoverymi.org once you are ready to submit. 
• Concise answers are encouraged if they address all parts of the question.  

We look forward to considering your application. Applicants are welcome to submit applications for our early decision deadline on Tuesday, February 20 by 11:59pm EST.  

The final application deadline is March 1 by 11:59pm EST. Applicants who apply by March 1 will be notified of grant decisions by Friday, March 22. Early Decision applicants will be notified before this deadline. If materials are missing or follow-up is required, the grant notifications will likely be delayed. We encourage you to apply as soon as you can submit a strong application.