Summer is in full swing, bringing with it soaring temps, plenty of sun, and, for thousands of Maryland students, the arts. This month, students across the state are experiencing a variety of Arts for Learning Maryland’s arts-integrated summer programs that spark imaginations, enhance learning, and inspire passions – all for FREE!

More than 2,700 students from 118 Baltimore City public schools are engaging in Arts for Learning Maryland programs this summer, guided by over 400 teaching artists, educators, and staff. Take a look at what we’ve been up to below.

Summer Arts for Learning Academy
Nearly 2,000 City Schools students in grades PreK-6 are building skills in math, reading, and their favorite art forms at eight sites across Baltimore. SALA infuses traditional learning with hands-on, arts-based experiences that transform learning into a fun, joyful, explorative experience. For example, students use music to practice counting, create lively illustrations to show the plot points in stories, and even perform dances while learning fractions. And we know that this type of learning works—the US Department of Education recently awarded SALA (and its afterschool counterpart, ASALA, the After School Arts for Learning Academy) for its high-quality programming and impact on students. Visit our website to learn more about SALA.

Bloomberg Arts Internship
Real-world work experience is invaluable for young, aspiring creatives. And that’s exactly what 40 rising high school seniors from Baltimore City Public Schools are doing this summer in the Bloomberg Arts Internship Program (BAI). The cohort of 40 students is building college and career readiness skills through paid internships at leading local art institutions like the Baltimore Museum of Art and Creative Alliance, networking and building community along the way. Thanks to a recent grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, this program has expanded. Learn more about BAI on our website, and hear from interns about their experiences on the BAI blog.

Summer Arts for Learning at Goodnow
Did you know that Arts for Learning Maryland manages the Goodnow Community Center in East Baltimore, offering community-based arts experiences to primary and secondary school children? This summer at Arts for Learning at Goodnow, 81 area students in grades K-8 are diving into a wide variety of art forms and working with A4L teaching artists in art-making and recreational sports. The summer program at Arts for Learning at Goodnow is a free, full-day program supporting students’ creative growth, character development, and cultural understanding. Learn more on our website.

Extended School Year Support
City Schools students participating in the district’s Extended School Year (ESY) program are getting creative. A4L is partnering with City Schools to support dozens of classrooms at Dorothy I Height Elementary and Fort Worthington Elementary/Middle, by exploring arts enrichment experiences led by A4L teaching artists.

Arts Enrichment at Springboard
Arts for Learning Maryland has partnered with six elementary schools in Baltimore City to provide supplemental summer arts enrichment hand-in-hand with the Springboard program over a five-week period. More than 475 students are enjoying a different arts experience each week facilitated by Arts for Learning Maryland teaching artists. In the mornings, students study academics with Springboard, and in the afternoons they work with A4L artists to explore visual arts, spoken word, musical theater, dance, and music.

Here’s to a cool, creative, and inspiring rest of the summer!