Summer Experiences Shape the School Year—and Our City’s Future
Indianapolis Foundation President and CEO Ahmed Young explains why access to high-quality summer programs is essential to helping young people learn,
Learning does not stop when the school year ends. In a new IndyStar op-ed, Ahmed Young reflects on how enriching summer experiences help young people build skills, confidence and meaningful relationships while reducing summer learning loss.
Young also highlights the Summer Youth Program Fund, administered by the Indianapolis Foundation, which awarded more than $4.7 million in 2026 to support free or low-cost programs for Marion County youth. These investments help ensure every young person can access opportunities to grow—and return to school ready to succeed.
Read the full op-ed at IndyStar.com.