Summer 2026 in Review: Exploring Our Environment, A Season of Learning and Connection

This summer, 725 students from four school districts and 23 elementary schools joined Spring Forward’s Summer Enrichment Program across eight program sites for an unforgettable season of discovery themed Exploring Our Environment: Connect, Respect, Protect. Supported by 68 community partners and powered by 120 dedicated summer staff, the program brought hands-on learning to life across the Quad Cities.

Students attending regularly spent more than 42 additional hours with certified teachers strengthening academic skills to avoid the “summer slide” and over 50 hours in enrichment through field trips and community partner outreach.

To engage with this year’s theme, participants returned to the awe-inspiring Maquoketa Caves, caught their first fish at Riverside Park Pond alongside the Illinois DNR and University of Illinois Extension, paddled through adventures with Scott County Conservation at Scott County Park, explored the Mississippi River with Living Lands & Waters’ floating classroom and studied ecology at Nahant Marsh Education Center.

New partnerships included Clinton County Conservation (Rock Creek Marina), Muscatine County Conservation (Muscatine Environmental Center), and both U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Rock Island County Conservation who welcomed students to Illiniwek Park for immersive outdoor learning. These new collaborations ensured programming remained fresh and offered students access to more opportunities to experience firsts like fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.

Another enhanced and impactful component for Summer 2026 was the increase in social-emotional learning opportunities for both students and staff. While Spring Forward has long recognized the value of summer learning and new experiences, the growing need to support students’ emotional well-being has become central to our mission. Thanks to funding from the Better Health Foundation, Spring Forward expanded both staff training and social-emotional learning opportunities for students, fostering a culture of greater care and connection during the Summer program.

Summer 2026 was a resounding success where students flourished, embraced new experiences, and built confidence along with a deeper respect for the world around them. Through the spirit of connection, our students, staff, and partners extended learning well beyond the classroom and shared experiences that strengthened their foundation for a brighter future ahead!