FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts:
James Canning, jcanning@sandi.net, 313-580-2845
Mike Murad, mmurad@sandi.net, 619-925-4790
Leslie Luna, lluna1@sandi.net, 858-717-2499
34,000 SD Unified Students to Receive Extended Learning Opportunities this Summer
250,000 Nutritious Meals to be Distributed at 70 Locations in June and July
Summer Extended Learning Opportunities have Served 190,000-Plus Students in 5 Years
SAN DIEGO (June 2, 2025) — San Diego Unified School District today announced it will support 34,000 students this summer with its comprehensive Extended Learning Opportunities program; and as many as 250,000 nutritious meals will be provided to its students, and other children, at 70 locations. The programs will operate during the months of June and July
The district launched an array of free programming exclusively designed for its students, featuring diverse opportunities, including:
- learning to play an instrument
- diving into ocean exploration
- joining athletic programs
- discovering new interests through STEM camps
- arts workshops
- academic enrichment
- career exploration
“These dynamic experiences will help students grow academically while building friendships and a strong sense of community, ensuring they stay engaged, nourished and academically supported throughout the summer months,” said Dr. Fabi Bagula, San Diego Unified School District Superintendent (Interim). "This summer we will be serving 34,000 students through these programs and serving approximately 250,000 meals, demonstrating that our commitment to families extends far beyond the traditional school calendar. We're here for our students and families year-round, whether it's fall, winter, spring or summer."
Summer Programming Offerings
The district's Extended Learning Opportunities include seven core programs designed to meet diverse student needs and ensures every student can find the right path forward:
- Summer Academic offers TK–6 San Diego Unified students a chance to continue learning during the summer, led by our highly qualified district teachers.
- Summer PrimeTime offers structured academic and enrichment activities that combine learning with engaging recreational opportunities, helping students maintain educational momentum during summer break.
- Credit Recovery serves grades 9-12 students who need to make up coursework, providing intensive academic support to help students stay on track for graduation.
- Summer Commencement allows students to complete final requirements and participate in graduation ceremonies during the summer session.
- Teach/Lead CCTE Internship Program provides paid education internships for high school students interested in teaching careers, creating a pipeline for future educators while giving participants real classroom experience.
Taymoni Sanders, a graduating senior from San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts said, "The Teach/Lead internship program helped me develop important life skills and showed me what it truly meant to have an impact.”
6. VAPA Foundation Summer Programming offers additional creative opportunities specifically designed for middle school students. Students in grades 7-8 have the opportunity to enroll in free Multi-Arts Middle School Summer Camps. These free camps, held at Bell MS, Challenger MS, Wilson MS and CPMA, provide diverse arts experiences including acting, painting, singing, dancing, guitar/ukulele and more. Limited spots are still available. Visit https://vapafoundation.org/ for more information on enrollment.
"These summer programs represent our commitment to offering San Diego Unified students meaningful learning opportunities," said Tobie Pace, Senior Director Extended Learning Opportunities. "Whether students need academic support, want to explore new interests or are preparing for future careers, we've designed programming that meets them where they are and helps them grow."
7. Level Up Enrichment provides students with hands-on learning experiences in arts, sciences and career exploration. Students can learn to play an instrument, dive into ocean exploration, join athletic programs or discover new interests through dynamic offerings. Popular programs include Fern Street Circus, where students develop performance skills and creative expression, alongside STEM camps that encourage scientific discovery and career exploration workshops that help students envision their futures. These experiences help students grow academically while building friendships and a strong sense of community, creating lasting connections that extend well beyond the summer months. Level Up Enrichment programming is made possible through partnership with the San Diego Foundation.
“All students throughout our region deserve enriching summer experiences that build them up and continue their learning trajectory,” said Pamela Gray Payton, VP, Chief Impact & Partnerships Officer, San Diego Foundation. “Expanded learning programs like Level Up demonstrate a strong public-private partnership and student-centered commitment from schools, nonprofits, and the state to provide access to these important programs to students furthest from opportunity."
Since launching the comprehensive Extended Learning Opportunities framework five years ago, the district has served more than 190,000 students through summer programming.
Free Food and Nutrition Services at 70 Locations - June 4 - August 1
Complementing the academic and enrichment offerings, San Diego Unified’s summer meal program provides free nutrition to any San Diego child ages 18 and under, regardless of school enrollment. While the meal program has operated for more than 20 years, the past five years have seen enhanced integration with Extended Learning Opportunities programming, addressing a critical community need as nearly one in three children in San Diego County face food insecurity.
"We've been feeding kids for more than 20 years, ensuring that our children have access to tasty, nutritious meals and fresh foods all year," said Torin Childress, Food and Nutrition Services coordinator. "Partnering with the Extended Learning team allows us to serve the whole child, from learning to nutrition to social-emotional support; We're supporting their growth in ways that truly make a difference in their lives."
Beginning June 4 and running through Aug. 1, 2025, more than 70 participating schools, libraries, parks and community centers will serve as community nutrition hubs through the district's Sandi Coast Cafe program, offering free breakfast and lunch to children and teens. These meals are nutritionally balanced and prepared by experienced and dedicated staff, following USDA nutrition guidelines to reduce fat and sodium and provide nutrient-rich meals, including fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. No registration, ID or proof of income is required.
The program's impact is substantial: last summer, Sandi Coast Cafe, the brand created by San Diego Unified Food & Nutrition Services, served nearly 250,000 meals across the region. For a complete list of meal site locations and serving times, visit sandicoastcafe.com.
Expanding support beyond daily meals, Feeding San Diego partners with the district to operate food pantries at select summer lunch sites, providing families with additional groceries to take home and extending nutritional support throughout the week.
"Summer is potentially the hungriest time of year for children in food-insecure households," said Bob Kamensky, CEO, Feeding San Diego. "Partnerships with school districts and city departments are vital to ensure we reach parents and caregivers who have to provide additional meals at home during the summer months. Our ongoing collaboration with the San Diego Unified School District includes more than 20 school pantries that provide nutritious groceries to families on campus. Several of these school pantries will stay open during the summer to provide food assistance, and we have many other sites at parks and other community gathering places where people in need can access groceries at no cost."
Feeding San Diego encourages families to use its Find Food Map at https://feedingsandiego.org/find-food/, a valuable resource that allows anyone to input their zip code and find food distributions near them.
Planning Ahead: New School Year Enrollment and Year-Round Programming
While summer programming provides immediate enrichment opportunities, district officials emphasized that it's never too early to start thinking about the upcoming school year. Parents interested in learning more about how their children can be eligible for future programs like these are encouraged to explore enrollment options at the various schools within San Diego Unified that offer unique programming in arts, STEM, career preparation and specialized academic tracks year-round.
The district's diverse portfolio includes magnet programs and specialized academies that extend the same commitment to hands-on learning and creative expression found in summer programming throughout the entire academic year. Families can begin exploring school options and enrollment processes now to ensure their children have access to specialized programming that best matches their interests and goals for the 2025-26 school year and beyond. For more information about enrollment opportunities, visit sandi.net/enroll.
District Partners
The district's comprehensive summer programming is made possible through partnerships with San Diego Foundation, San Diego Unified Teach /Lead, VAPA Foundation, Fern Street Community Arts, Chicano Federation and Feeding San Diego.
The press conference concluded with a preview of the summer lunch menu and information stations providing QR codes for both Food & Nutrition Services Summer Meals and enrollment opportunities for families interested in joining the San Diego Unified community.
For more information about San Diego Unified’s Neighborhood Schools and Enrollment Options visit www.sandi.net.
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Thanks,
Mike
Mike Murad
Public Information Coordinator
San Diego Unified School District
mmurad@sandi.net | www.sandiegounified.org
Mobile Phone: 619-925-4790
4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103
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