Summer of Storytelling 2026

Overview

Based on the National Summer Learning Project and How to Provide Quality Opportunities for Young People in the Summer Months, BSB’s Summer of Storytelling will support high-quality programming that builds on local data, youth voice, and tailored academic priorities. Key features of out-of-school time learning produce tangible benefits to students, families, and communities. Features like well-supported staff, engaged and inspired youth, and community-connected learning are essential to successful programs. Through a competitive process, BSB funding will support programs to incorporate youth voice and community-connected programming to shape learning that reflects youth interests and amplifies long-term benefits. 

Summer programs have tremendous potential to serve both today’s and tomorrow’s youth across classrooms, gardens, and other learning spaces. Today’s young people benefit directly from innovative experiences that elevate youth voice and leadership, connect to local career pathways, and extend learning beyond the school year. Tomorrow’s youth are served when programs build lasting support from stakeholders who can help sustain these efforts over time. 

Through the Summer of Storytelling, Beyond School Bells will help programs strengthen high-quality features and intentionally showcase their impact. Funding recipients will engage a key stakeholder—such as a state senator, local policymaker, or school board member—to demonstrate the benefits of summer programming for youth, families, and the broader community. 

Additional information, resources, request for proposals, and applications can be found at www.beyondschoolbells.org. Applications will be due by March 31st, 2026 and must be emailed to dstaggs@nebraskachildren.org and svadnais@nebraskachildren.org  

Features and Benefits

Funding will incorporate the following features from Whole Child, Whole Life, in pursuit of high-quality, sustainable, and engaging summer programming.  

Feature: Youth Voice and Choice  

Centering youth voice in program planning and implementation strengthens quality and innovation by deepening engagement, creating leadership opportunities, and positioning young people as thought partners and co-creators of their experiences.  

• Features of youth voice and choice can include:  
• Youth advisory or leadership groups, youth brainstorming sheets for planning and evaluation, near-peer mentorship, service-learning 
• Benefits of youth voice:  
• Youth engagement, behavior management, leadership development, civic engagement, academic interest, life skills  
• Examples & resources: CYESS, NYLC, Civic Nebraska, National 4-H Council 

Feature: Community-Connected, Real-World Learning 

Community-connected programming introduces youth to local experiences and opportunities engaging nearby partners to invest in the program that serves their community. These connections elevate program quality, sustainability, and create advocacy opportunities. 

• Features of community-connected, real-world learning can include: 
• Clubs connected to local businesses (bakeries, retail stores, trades services), Guest experts like elected officials for activities and events, local field trips 
• Benefits of community-connected, real-world learning: 
• Tangible outcomes of youth activities, strengthened partnerships, career exposure, opportunities for mutual support, support local initiatives  
• Examples & resources: Civic Nebraska Service Learning, Cozad Career Exploration,  

Feature: Lifelong Learning  

Lifelong learning enriches academic achievement to prepare youth for outcomes that expand upon classroom metrics. These features should build on district priorities, follow youth voice and passions, and highlight fun and play.  

• Features of lifelong learning can include: 
• Hands-on skill building, STEM learning, reading for fun, learning through play, developing healthy habits, and engaging families to support youth 
• Benefits of lifelong learning: 
• Youth-driven learning, academic connections, awareness of opportunities, life-skill development, family engagement and partnership, and having fun! 
• Examples and resources: Reading exploration, Summer gardens, Edgerton STEM