Summer learning programs provide dynamic environments where youth develop essential life skills. When designed intentionally, these programs can help young people build skills such as collaboration, communication, and self-confidence by encouraging relationships with peers and supportive adults.
For many youth, summer learning includes activities that foster exploration, creativity, and teamwork. These experiences can help young people develop social and emotional skills that support both personal growth and academic success.
Research on youth development highlights the value of environments that emphasize belonging, mentorship, and active learning can strengthen social and emotional skills. In summer settings, where learning often takes place through projects, enrichment activities, and shared experiences, youth have opportunities to practice these skills in meaningful and engaging ways.
Research Insight: Studies of high-quality summer learning programs show that youth benefit most when academic enrichment is paired with engaging activities and supportive relationships with adults.
When program leaders plan summer learning programs with social and emotional education in mind, they can create spaces where youth develop confidence, build relationships, and strengthen skills that support long-term development.
What Is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social and emotional learning refers to the process through which young people develop the skills needed to understand themselves, build relationships, and make thoughtful decisions.
Many frameworks describe SEL through 5 core competencies:
- Self-awareness – recognizing one’s emotions, strengths, and perspectives
- Self-management – regulating emotions and behaviors
- Social awareness – understanding others’ perspectives and showing empathy
- Relationship skills – communicating, collaborating, and resolving conflict
- Responsible decision-making – making choices that consider consequences and well-being
Youth development programs often support these skills through everyday experiences rather than formal instruction. Activities such as group projects, reflection exercises, and mentorship conversations allow young people to practice social and emotional skills in real-world contexts.
In summer learning environments, these opportunities often arise naturally through collaborative activities and shared problem-solving.
Why Social and Emotional Learning Matters in Summer Programs
Social and emotional learning plays an important role in helping young people feel connected, confident, and prepared to engage in learning.
Summer programs can create environments where youth feel a strong sense of belonging. When young people build relationships with peers and trusted adults, they are more likely to participate actively, share ideas, and take on new challenges.
Programs that prioritize collaboration and youth voice can also help young people develop leadership skills and confidence. Through group activities, creative projects, and community-based experiences, youth practice communicating their ideas, working through challenges, and supporting one another.
Research on youth development programs suggests that environments emphasizing relationships, engagement, and meaningful participation can strengthen both well-being and academic readiness. Summer programs that combine enrichment opportunities with supportive mentorship often create conditions where social and emotional learning can flourish.
Download our report “How States Are Expanding Quality Summer Learning Opportunities.”
SEL Activities That Work in Summer Programs
Many summer programs incorporate social and emotional learning through routines and activities that encourage reflection, collaboration, and communication.
For example, some programs begin each day with a brief gathering where youth and staff check in with one another and discuss plans for the day. These moments can help participants build trust and develop a sense of community.
Reflection activities offer another effective approach. With journaling, group discussions, or end-of-day reflections, youth can think about what they learned, how they worked with others, and ways they navigated challenges.
Collaborative projects also provide opportunities for youth to practice social and emotional skills. Whether participants are creating an art installation, designing a STEM solution, or planning a community event, working together requires communication, problem solving, and shared decision-making.
Programs may also encourage youth leadership by inviting participants to facilitate activities, mentor younger peers, or lead discussions. These experiences allow young people to practice responsibility and develop confidence in their abilities.
Designing Summer Programs That Support Social and Emotional Learning
Social-emotional learning is most effective when it is woven into the overall structure and culture of a program.
To integrate SEL, program leaders often align activities with broader youth development goals. Daily schedules might include collaborative learning, time for reflection, and opportunities for mentorship conversations.
Program culture also plays an important role. Environments that emphasize respect, inclusion, and curiosity help youth feel comfortable sharing ideas and taking risks in learning.
When SEL becomes part of how a program operates—from group norms to activity design—youth encounter repeated opportunities to practice these skills throughout the day.
Training Summer Program Staff to Support SEL
Staff relationships with youth are often central to effective social and emotional learning.
Program staff model behaviors that help young people learn how to communicate, resolve disagreements, and support one another. When adults demonstrate empathy, curiosity, and respect, youth are more likely to adopt those behaviors themselves.
Many programs support staff by providing onboarding sessions that introduce SEL principles and youth development practices. Ongoing opportunities for reflection, coaching, and peer learning can also help staff strengthen their ability to support youth.
When staff feel prepared and supported, they are better able to create environments where young people feel safe, valued, and encouraged to participate fully.
Measuring Social and Emotional Learning Outcomes in Youth Programs
Although social and emotional learning can be difficult to measure directly, many programs track indicators that reflect youth engagement and growth.
For example, program leaders may collect feedback from youth through surveys or reflection activities. Observations of collaboration, participation, and communication during program activities can also provide insight into how youth are developing social and emotional skills.
Attendance patterns and continued participation may offer additional clues about whether youth feel connected to a program and its community.
When programs review these types of data, they can better understand how their activities support youth development and where improvements may strengthen outcomes.
From the Field: Out-of-school-time programs often track indicators such as engagement, collaboration, and participation to understand how programming supports youth development.
Examples of SEL in Summer Youth Programs
In many communities, summer learning programs use creative methods for social and emotional learning.
Some programs use the arts to help youth explore identity and expression. Others give participants leadership roles in guiding discussions or mentoring peers.
Programs that prioritize mentorship and collaboration often see youth build strong relationships with both peers and adults. These connections can help young people feel supported and more confident in their ability to contribute to group activities.
Programs focusing on belonging, engagement, and youth voice make social and emotional learning a natural part of the experience.
Conclusion
Social and emotional learning is a central component of youth development, particularly in out-of-school-time settings where programs often intentionally build these competencies. Skills such as communication, collaboration, and responsible decision-making help young people build confidence and navigate challenges both in and outside the classroom.
Summer learning programs offer valuable opportunities to cultivate these skills. Through relationships with mentors, collaborative activities, and spaces for reflection, youth can develop the social and emotional competencies that support long-term growth.
Learn how communities are strengthening summer programs and supporting youth development across the country in our report, How States Are Expanding Quality Summer Learning Opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is social and emotional learning (SEL)?
A: Social and emotional learning (SEL) helps youth build self-awareness, emotional regulation, relationships, and decision-making. Out-of-school-time programs support this through collaboration, reflection, and mentorship.
Q: Why is social and emotional learning important in summer programs?
A: Summer programs provide environments where youth can practice communication, teamwork, and problem-solving through group activities and mentorship. These experiences help young people build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop skills that support learning and well-being.
Q: How can summer programs incorporate social and emotional learning?
A: Programs often incorporate SEL through routines such as morning check-ins, reflection discussions, collaborative projects, and youth leadership opportunities. These activities allow young people to practice communication, empathy, and teamwork.
Q: What types of activities help build social and emotional skills?
A: Activities that encourage collaboration and reflection help build social and emotional skills. Examples include group problem-solving challenges, arts projects, peer mentoring, and discussions that allow youth to practice empathy, communication, and decision-making.
Q: How can youth programs measure social and emotional learning outcomes?
A: Programs often track social and emotional growth through youth surveys, observation of collaboration and communication during activities, and reflection exercises. Participation and attendance patterns can also provide insight into youth engagement.
Q: What role do program staff play in supporting SEL?
A: Program staff help create environments where youth feel supported and engaged. By modeling empathy, communication, and respectful problem-solving, staff help young people practice social and emotional skills during everyday program activities.
