United Way’s Fun in the Sun Program Kicks Off in Santa Barbara County

The program will serve a record 430 students and their families, including an expanded campus in Guadalupe. 

United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Fun in the Sun program has launched its annual summer learning program to benefit Santa Barbara County’s most financially and academically at-risk students and their families.

This year’s program is reaching more students than ever thanks to United Way’s partnership with educational agencies like Guadalupe Union School District. The district’s support of the Fun in the Sun academic enrichment program has doubled enrollment at the program’s North County campus at Mary Van Buren Elementary School, which is hosting over 100 students this summer. All students will receive the full program of services, including literacy support, STEAM and enrichment activities and field trips, as well as access to basic needs and wraparound resources for families and caregivers.

Fun in the Sun is a free six-week summerlearning program that is providing academic and reading practice, hands-on STEAM activities, field trips and other enrichment activities for more than 400 current 2^nd-5^th graders this year.

This national award-winning summer learning program is running at six sites throughout Santa Barbara County, including campuses in Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Ynez, and Guadalupe. 

In addition to a full spectrum of academic and enrichment activities, this year’s Fun in the Sun students are also participating in new STEAM activities like the GLOBE Goes to Camp program, which was developed by NASA to help students explore nature while fostering environmental stewardship and scientific literacy. Program staff will lead participants through scientific investigations curated by NASA scientists.

This year’s students will also enjoy swimming lessons and movement and dance classes, as well as the return of pier fishing field trips and excursions to local universities and colleges like UCLA and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for college mentorship and exploration.

Fun in the Sun was originally developed to address summer learning loss but over the last 26 years it has expanded into a comprehensive space to support students and their families. The program is supported by 80 service delivery partners, over 38 funding partners and more than 600 volunteers each year. 

“We are grateful for each of the educators, partners, and staff members who make this program a reality each year,” said United Way Santa Barbara County Vice President Melinda Cabrera. “This program continues to be an essential resource for the families we serve. Our team and the program’s dedicated network of partners have worked hard to ensure that every student on campus feels supported and can access the tools they need to start the next school year strong.”

Fun in the Sun also provides leadership and mentorship experience to high schoolers who participate in the Leaders-in-Training program, which provides mentorship opportunities, career exploration and college preparation in addition to up to 230 hours of community service.

LOCATIONS & DATES

Mary Van Buren Elementary:June 12-July 21, 2023

Santa Ynez Elementary: June 19-July 28, 2023

Hollister Elementary: June 19-July 28, 2023

Aliso Elementary: June 19-July 28, 2023

Franklin Elementary: June 20-July 28, 2023

McKinley Elementary: June 20-July 28, 2023

For more information about the program, volunteer, or employment opportunities, please visit www.unitedwaysb.org/FITS.

About United Way of Santa Barbara County — Since 1923, United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has been a key leader in local efforts to empower children, families, and communities through its own unique collaborative programs and initiatives, partnership convening efforts, volunteer development, and funding. UWSBC’s mission is to enrich the lives of children and families and build resilient communities by leading local programs and partnerships that improve school readiness and academic achievement, financial empowerment, and crisis response and recovery. To learn more, please visit unitedwaysb.org.