Why Oregon’s State Summer Learning Grants Create a Powerful Opportunity — and How Districts Can Bring Them to Life
Oregon’s commitment to summer learning is entering a new chapter. With the launch of the State Summer Learning Grant program, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is signaling a clear priority: summer learning should be intentional, equitable, and built for long-term impact.
For districts, education service districts (ESDs), and charter schools, this funding represents more than dollars, it’s an opportunity to rethink how summer programs are designed, staffed, and delivered in ways that truly serve students.
From Short-Term Programs to Sustainable Impact
Unlike one-year funding cycles, Oregon’s State Summer Learning Grants move toward a multi-year, competitive funding model, allowing grantees to plan with confidence. The focus on literacy outcomes, evidence-based practices, and meaningful instructional time raises the bar for what summer learning can be and should be.
But with that opportunity comes a real challenge:
How do districts scale high-quality summer programs quickly without overextending internal staff or sacrificing quality?
That’s where strategic partnerships matter.
Where Nexplore Fits In
At Nexplore, we work alongside districts across the country to design and deliver high-quality enrichment and academic support programs that complement core instructional goals, especially during summer.
For Oregon districts pursuing State Summer Learning Grant funding, Nexplore can support implementation by:
✅ Providing ready-to-deploy, research-aligned enrichment programs that pair naturally with literacy and academic priorities
✅ Training instructors based on the specific courses and age groups they will serve, ensuring consistency and quality across sites
✅ Offering operational support that helps districts meet required instructional hours while keeping programs engaging and student-centered
✅ Scaling programming across multiple schools or regions without adding administrative burden to district teams
Rather than asking districts to build everything from scratch, Nexplore helps turn grant plans into high-quality, on-the-ground experiences for students.
High Expectations Require the Right Partners
ODE’s summer learning framework emphasizes:
✅ Equity and access
✅ Evidence-based instruction
✅ Strong planning and execution
✅ Programs that students actually want to attend
Meeting those expectations requires more than good intentions, it requires capacity, training, and proven systems. Districts that partner with organizations experienced in expanded learning can move faster, reduce risk, and focus their energy where it matters most: student outcomes.
Planning Now for Summer 2026 and Beyond
With the State Summer Learning Grant cycle spanning multiple years, now is the time for districts to:
Identify program partners early
✅ Align enrichment offerings with literacy and instructional goals
✅ Build summer models that are sustainable, scalable, and engaging
✅ Summer learning works best when it blends academic purpose with hands-on, joyful learning experiences, and that balance is exactly where strong district-partner collaboration shines.
At Nexplore, we believe summer should be a time when learning feels exciting, relevant, and accessible for every student. As Oregon continues to invest in meaningful summer learning, we’re excited to support districts ready to turn funding into lasting impact.
If you’re exploring State Summer Learning Grants and thinking about implementation, we’d love to be part of the conversation.
We are the Champions! Hawthorne Chess Team in Chicago Captures 1st Place at the 2025 CPS Kings and Queens Tournament
We are thrilled to celebrate (again!) the outstanding success of the Hawthorne Scholastic Academy chess team, a brilliant example of what students can achieve through hard work and practice.
The team recently competed in the CPS Academic Chess’s 2025 Kings and Queens Tournament on Dec 6th, going head-to-head against CPS’s most talented. We are incredibly proud to announce that the Hawthorne Scholastic Academy chess team placed 1st among 18 teams in the highly competitive K-6 Intermediate section. Hawthorne beat out our friendly competitors, including Skinner North Elementary, Decatur, Keller Gifted Magnet School, and Edison Regional Gifted Center. Not bad for Hawthorne’s third tournament as a team!
Three of our four students, Leyee Qian, Tate Walling, and Bota Narthasilpa scored 3 out of 4 points, and one student, Kaiyee Qian, led the team by winning all 4 of his games. Thus, Hawthorne’s total score of 13 points, a full point ahead of the competition.
This remarkable accomplishment highlights the hard work, strategic thinking, and steady practice nurtured in the Nexplore/MM Chess program. Using the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills they’ve learned, these young competitors truly shone when it mattered most.
In recognition of their brilliant performance, the team won a well-deserved 1st Place Plaque! We sincerely hope they bring it to school to display and inspire the next generation of chess champions!
What’s New at Nexplore: Exciting Programs Introduced This Year 🌟
As we look back at the past months, it’s inspiring to see how much curiosity ✨, creativity 🎨, and growth 📚 have flourished across our partner sites. This year, we expanded our catalog with a variety of new programs designed to spark discovery 🔍 and empower kids through hands-on, engaging learning experiences.
Whether you’re planning upcoming sessions or exploring fresh options for your students, here’s a look at the latest additions to the Nexplore lineup. 🚀
We are excited to highlight our NEWEST programs of 2025:
🧬 Biomedical Science – Students investigate the human body, genetics, and health through hands-on biomedical experiments and real-world discovery!
🔧Little Engineers – Students build vehicles using blocks from the First Automobile Engineer kit and explore playful stories that show how each vehicle solves unique challenges through hands-on learning.
🏗️Structural Engineering – Bridges & Skyscrapers – Young engineers put designs to the test, creating earthquake-proof buildings, stable trusses, and soaring towers through hands-on building challenges.
🏗️Structural Engineering – Roller Coaster Engineering – Students discover the principles of gravity, momentum, and structural design as they create their own mini rollercoasters.
🎨🖥️ Digital Art – Students use their imaginations and cutting edge technology to create video game characters, twists on classic art, and showcase portfolios.
🧩Coding with Micro:bit – Discover the exciting world of coding and invention with Micro:bit, where students program their own Micro:bit device, explore cool sensors, and solve real-world problems.
🤖 LEGO Robotics – Students explore STEAM through LEGO® and coding, designing creative solutions and developing real-world engineering skills.
🎶 Choir – Students discover joyful singing as they strengthen pitch and rhythm, learn to breathe with control, and perform together with confidence.
🌾💰 Agriculture Finance – Students manage farms, balance budgets, and make smart financial decisions—culminating in their own farm business plan capstone!
✨Magic – Explorers – Students transform into magicians with self-confidence, empathy, and grit through Magic Activity Packs!
🪵Woodcraft – Measure, sand, and build! Using a DIY approach, students dive into hands-on woodworking projects while building problem-solving skills and gaining real-world experience with Nexplore.
🏏 Cricket – Young athletes practice cricket fundamentals while learning teamwork, sportsmanship, and strategy in an exciting, supportive environment.
💃Folklórico – Step into tradition with the lively rhythms, colorful movements, and cultural stories of Folklórico dance!
🕺Rikudim – Students explore Israeli folk dancing traditions through circle, line, and partner dances that celebrate diverse cultural heritage.
🌱 Why These New Programs Matter
Each addition to our catalog opens a new pathway for kids to try something different — whether they’re diving into engineering concepts, learning to code, exploring cultural dance, or discovering the science behind agriculture. Our goal is to provide programs that not only educate, but also inspire confidence, creativity, teamwork, and a genuine love for learning. 💛
📘 Explore the Full Program Catalog
These new classes join more than 100 programs across STEM, Digital Tech, Arts, Life Skills, and Fitness.
If you’re building out your next schedule, we’re here to help you find the perfect mix.
📅 Let’s Plan What’s Next
We’re excited to walk you through the newest additions, answer questions, and help you prepare your next season of after-school or in-house programming.
These programs have brought fresh opportunities for exploration🔍, creativity💡, and growth💪, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together in 2026.
🌟 Celebrating Excellence in Teaching: Willians De Morais
Every month, Nexplore highlights an instructor who goes above and beyond to bring learning to life—and this month, we’re proud to recognize Willians De Morais.
Willians brings a powerful blend of adaptability, passion, and consistency across a wide range of programs. His teaching journey with Nexplore reflects exactly what our mission is all about: blending skills, fostering growth, and turning everyday moments into meaningful learning experiences.
No matter the subject, Willians brings clarity, structure, and enthusiasm—creating environments where kids feel supported, energized, and eager to explore.
Praised by Sites Across the Bay Area
School partners consistently highlight his professionalism, communication, and positive impact. His warm approach connects with students, while his strong class management ensures a space where everyone can grow.
A True Member of the Joy Team
Willians represents the best of Nexplore—an instructor who blends skills, fosters connection, and turns learning into joyful discovery. We’re grateful for the energy he brings to our programs and proud to celebrate him as our Instructor of the Month.
🙌 Thank You, Willians!
We are truly grateful for Willians’s outstanding dedication across every site and program he supports. His versatility, professionalism, and positive energy elevate each class—from 3D Printing to Soccer to Martial Arts—creating meaningful learning experiences for every student he teaches. His impact is felt everywhere he goes, and that’s exactly what we celebrate with our Instructor of the Month! 🌟
Checkmate! Hawthorne Chess Team Captures 3rd Place at the 2025 CPS Knights Quest Tournament
We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding success of the Hawthorne Scholastic Cademy chess team, a brilliant example of what students can achieve through the Nexplore Chess program, in partnership with Mindful Masters Chess Academy.
The team recently competed in the Chicagoland Academic Chess’s 2025 CPS Knights Quest Tournament, going head-to-head against Chicago’s most talented young players. We are incredibly proud to announce that the Hawthorne team placed 3rd among 23 teams in the highly competitive K-6 Intermediate section!
This remarkable achievement reflects countless hours of dedication, strategic thinking, and practice—the core skills our Nexplore Chess program is designed to foster. By applying the critical thinking and problem-solving strategies learned in their sessions, these young minds demonstrated true mastery under pressure. The top 4 placers all scored 3 out out 4 points, leading to the team’s total score out of 12.
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Honoring an Outstanding Team Performance
In recognition of their brilliant performance, the team won a well-deserved 3rd Place Plaque! We sincerely hope they bring it to school to display and inspire the next generation of Nexplore Chess champions!
👉Want to bring a competitive and inspiring Chess program to your school?
🌟 Celebrating Excellence in Teaching: Alexis McCall
At Nexplore, we love celebrating instructors who bring innovation, passion, and joy into every classroom. Each month, we shine a spotlight on a team member who goes above and beyond to make learning meaningful—and this month, that spotlight shines on Alexis from Los Banos, California! 🎉✨
Teaching at five active sites—Charleston Elementary, Lorena Falasco Elementary, R.M. Miano Elementary, and Henry Miller Elementary—Alexis brings unmatched energy and consistency to every class. Whether it’s Robocoding or Coding with Microbit, she transforms complex STEM concepts into exciting, hands-on experiences that kids absolutely love.
Her dedication, creativity, and warm communication have made her an invaluable part of the Nexplore family. Alexis doesn’t just teach—she inspires confidence, builds community, and makes learning an adventure. 💡💻
Her creativity and passion truly make the JOY of Learning come alive—and that’s exactly what we celebrate with our Instructor of the Month!
🙌 Thank You, Alexis!
We are so grateful for Alexis’s incredible dedication and passion for teaching. Her creativity, consistency, and positive spirit bring coding and robotics to life—empowering students to explore, create, and grow. That’s exactly what we celebrate with our Instructor of the Month! 🌟
Conference Recap – Hawaii & Arizona 2025 🌺🌵
This fall, our Nexplore team had the wonderful opportunity to attend 2 inspiring events in 2 truly beautiful locations — the Hawai‘i Afterschool Alliance Aha Lokahi Ohana and Community Engagement Conference in Honolulu, HI, and the SPARC National Conference in Scottsdale, AZ.
Both conferences celebrated innovation, connection, and the power of afterschool learning — values that are at the heart of everything we do at Nexplore. ✨
📍 Honolulu, HI – September 25–26, 2025
Our journey began in Honolulu, where we were surrounded by the warmth and spirit of aloha at the Aha Lokahi Ohana & Community Engagement Conference. 🌈
It was our first time connecting with new partners in Hawai‘i, and the response was incredible. The event brought together educators, community leaders, and program directors committed to creating meaningful experiences for kids beyond the classroom.
We left Hawai‘i with new leads, fresh ideas, and a renewed excitement about expanding Nexplore’s programs to new communities across the islands. 🌊
📍 Scottsdale, AZ – October 5–8, 2025
Just a few weeks later, our team traveled to sunny Arizona for the SPARC National Conference — one of the largest gatherings of afterschool professionals nationwide. ☀️
SPARC gave us the chance to reunite with many of our current clients in person. Meeting them face-to-face after years of collaboration was both meaningful and energizing. 🤝
The conference was filled with dynamic sessions, panels, and networking opportunities — all focused on innovation, enrichment, and the future of afterschool learning. We had valuable conversations with educators, directors, and community leaders who share our mission of inspiring creativity and curiosity in every child. 💡
🌎 Strengthening Connections Nationwide
Attending these two events reminded us how wide-reaching and passionate the Nexplore community truly is. Across the country, we continue to grow and collaborate with an expanding network of schools and partners dedicated to afterschool and expanded learning opportunities for kids.
Here’s a look at some of the amazing communities we’re proud to work with:
🌴 California – Compass, The Harker School, Nova Academy, Fallbrook Union Elementary, Foster City Parks and Recreation (3 sites)
🏙️ New York – Yeshivah of Flatbush, Mount Hope, Harlem Dowling
📚 Massachusetts – Medway Public Schools, Reading Public Schools, Lynnfield Public Schools, Ashland Public Schools
💡 Michigan – Birmingham Public Schools
🌳 North Carolina – Carolina Friends
🏫 Virginia – Torah School of Greater Washington
Every partnership represents a shared commitment to empowering kids through creativity, discovery, and the joy of learning — both inside and beyond the classroom. ✨
🚀 Looking Ahead
From the islands of Hawai‘i to the desert of Arizona, these conferences gave us new perspectives and stronger relationships. We’re grateful for every conversation, connection, and collaboration — and we can’t wait to bring what we’ve learned back to the communities we serve. 🌺🌵
As we continue to expand, new states like Vermont and Washington are joining our growing network of partners — helping us reach even more kids through meaningful expanded learning programs that inspire curiosity and confidence. 🌎
🔍Check out our website💻
for more updates and exciting partnerships. 🌟
🌟 Celebrating Excellence in Teaching: Valerie Ortiz
At Nexplore, we love celebrating instructors who bring passion, creativity, and dedication to their classrooms. Each month, we shine a spotlight on a team member who embodies our mission and values—and this September, that spotlight is shining on Valerie! 🎉✨
From leading Wacky Science at Mercey Springs Elementary to Magic/Electronic Gadgets at R.M. Miano, Valerie goes above and beyond to make every class a space where kids can learn, explore, and have fun. Her energy, preparation, and inventive teaching style make science and technology approachable, exciting, and unforgettable.
Whether she’s sparking curiosity through hands-on experiments, building strong connections with students and staff, or creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels included, Valerie truly lives out the Nexplore Commitment and the “5Cs.” 🌟
We are so grateful for the enthusiasm, professionalism, and care she brings every week. Valerie’s dedication inspires confidence and joy in her students—and that’s exactly what we celebrate with our Instructor of the Month!
🙌 Thank You, Valerie!
We are so grateful for Valerie’s hard work and commitment to our programs. Her creativity and dedication truly spark curiosity and confidence in every class—and that’s exactly what we celebrate with our Instructor of the Month!
Turning School Breaks Into Opportunities: Why Enrichment Matters
When school breaks arrive—whether it’s summer, winter holidays, or even a three-day weekend—families often face the same question: What do we do with the kids? Parents still work, children need structure, and schools are asked if anything will be available.
Enrichment programs offered during breaks solve this challenge while creating valuable opportunities for learning and growth.
The Research on Break Learning
Studies show that:
✅ Students can lose up to 20–30% of school-year learning over a long summer break (NWEA).
✅ STEM-focused activities outside the classroom help students develop problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills they often don’t get in traditional settings.
✅ Parents increasingly seek out structured, reliable options during breaks—not just for childcare, but for meaningful enrichment.
By offering enrichment during breaks, schools can position themselves as a trusted resource while helping students stay engaged.
What Effective Break Programs Look Like
The most impactful programs blend fun with hands-on learning. Students should feel excited, while schools and parents see the long-term value.
Here are some examples of programs we’ve seen succeed:
🤖 LEGO Robotics – Students learn coding and teamwork while solving creative engineering challenges.
🪵Woodcraft – Hands-on building that sparks imagination and improves focus.
🌐Web Design – Early exposure to real-world digital skills in a fun, age-appropriate way.
These activities aren’t “extra schoolwork”—they’re opportunities to apply knowledge in exciting, memorable ways.
🤝Beyond Summer: The Value of Short Break Programs
It’s not just about the summer. Long weekends and short holidays like Memorial Day, Presidents’ Day, or teacher planning days can also be transformed into opportunities for students. Mini-programs provide a safe, engaging environment that parents rely on and students look forward to.
Moving Forward Together
When schools open their doors during breaks, they’re not just filling time—they’re building stronger connections with families, supporting continuous learning, and giving students a chance to explore new passions.
👉 Want to learn how programs like LEGO Robotics, Woodcraft, or Web Design could fit into your school’s schedule?
🎨 AI Art Lab – Where Technology Meets Creativity
At Nexplore, we believe learning should spark joy, curiosity, and imagination. Our brand-new program, AI Art Lab (Grades 8–12), does exactly that — bringing the worlds of art and technology together in a way that excites and inspires.
With AI tools at their fingertips, students learn how to turn simple ideas into stunning, original artworks. It’s not just about drawing or coding — it’s about seeing the creative potential of technology and unlocking new forms of self-expression.
🌟 What Kids Will Experience
Through guided activities and hands-on projects, participants will:
🤖 Explore the basics of Artificial Intelligence in a fun, approachable way.
🎨 Experiment with different AI tools to generate unique artwork.
🖌️ Discover how creativity and technology can work hand-in-hand.
💻 Gain confidence in digital literacy, a skill that’s shaping the future.
💡 Why Families & Sites Love It
AI Art Lab is more than an art class — it’s a future-ready experience. Students don’t just learn about AI; they use it to express themselves, collaborate, and think in new ways. The program builds:
Through guided activities and tool safety instruction, kids will:
🌈 Creativity – Transform imagination into digital art.
🧠 Critical thinking – Understand how AI works and how to use it responsibly.
🚀 Confidence – Feel empowered to use technology in innovative ways.
🎨 Beyond Art: Real-World Connections
What makes AI Art Lab stand out is how it connects classroom learning to real-world innovation. Kids see how AI is shaping industries like design, media, entertainment, and technology — from creating digital illustrations and artistic projects to powering animation, film, gaming, and more. Every session inspires them to imagine new possibilities for the future while creating digital masterpieces of their own.
🎉 Bring AI Art Lab to Your Site
