TCS Opens Registration for Free Summer Learning Programs

The Tuscaloosa City Schools system has opened registration for its in-person summer learning programs for students of all ages.

Through the initiative, TCS will connect students with a wide range of summer learning programs, including specialized courses for high school students. These programs will be held across the city and state, but all TCS students will have access to the programs.

All programs are available at no cost to any student students who register and are accepted thanks to funding provided by recently re-elected Mayor Walt Maddox's Elevate Tuscaloosa plan, making the summer learning program one of the first real projects Elevate has been able to support as planned after a year of setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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A school system spokesperson said in a press release their summer learning program launched in 2017 and has offered measurable benefits to the students who have participated.

Most of the programs this summer will be held in person, a decision made based on public health data which has been trending positively in the past month. TCS will also offer a "Cyber Summer" program for students unable to participate in face-to-face activities.

"Our teachers are excited to offer a program that meets the guidance of the Alabama Literacy Act, addresses the COVID slowdown in learning and continues our commitment to preventing summer learning loss," said TCS superintendent Mike Daria. "The Tuscaloosa City Schools will offer summer learning experiences at no charge for any student who registers and is accepted."

Mayor Maddox appeared on the Steve Shannon Morning Show on 95.3 The Bear Thursday and said he was proud that his Elevate Tuscaloosa tax plan will help bring such positive results to students at no cost to their families.

"It's a $4,000 savings to parents," Maddox said. "We know there's gonna be some summer learning loss because of COVID, and summer learning programs are a good way to get our children caught up."

Maddox said his goal is to convene Elevate Tuscaloosa's Advisory Council sometime in May or June and thoroughly examine all Elevate projects to see how priorities should change because of COVID-19.

"The world has changed since 2019 dramatically -- that's when we passed Elevate," Maddox said. "I think we need to be strategic in moving forward, that we don't go and do something that the world is no longer interested in, and that applies to whether it's education programming, experience economy, et cetera."

TCS summer learning programs will run from June 3rd to July 2nd. Parents have until Friday, March 12th to register. Find out more information and register online, visit www.mysummerlearning.com.