The Summer Discovery Program, funded by Ballmer Group and managed by United Way for Southeastern Michigan, is designed to address summer learning loss while fostering enrichment opportunities for rising 1st through 9th graders across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. In 2025, the program expanded to 180+ sites, serving over 30,000 students. Each program site delivered at least 20 days of in-person programming, blending academic instruction in ELA and math with enrichment in areas such as STEAM, arts, field experiences, and social-emotional development.
Independent evaluation confirmed significant outcomes: students made measurable gains in reading and math, with proficiency rising by an average of 18 percentage points, and families reported strong improvements in confidence and school readiness.
What we did
As an implementing partner, Energy Overflow Organization contributed a specialized curriculum and experiential programming that complemented Summer Discovery’s academic and social-emotional framework. Our activities focused on equipping students with creativity, communication, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving skills.
Key Program Elements
Automotive Innovation & Concept Car Design
Students participated in workshops led by a recognized automotive designer, gaining exposure to Michigan’s automotive legacy while learning about design thinking, engineering fundamentals, and creativity in problem-solving.
The hands-on experience of building concept cars gave students a tangible project to connect abstract classroom concepts with real-world application.
Social and Communication Skills Training
Weekly sessions emphasized interpersonal communication, collaboration, and leadership development.
Group exercises and role-playing activities helped students strengthen conflict resolution, presentation, and teamwork capabilities.
Substance Use Awareness & Healthy Decision-Making
Age-appropriate discussions and interactive activities equipped students with knowledge and strategies to make positive choices.
Sessions emphasized resilience, peer influence awareness, and long-term goal setting.
Field Trips & Real-World Exposure
Students participated in numerous field trips designed to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.
Highlights included attending a Detroit Tigers game at Comerica Park, which promoted teamwork and city pride, and a tour of Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design, where students were inspired by career pathways in design, business, and creative industries.
Learning Environment Development
Energy Overflow Organization supported the transformation of a facility into a dedicated learning space, creating an atmosphere that mirrored a school environment while encouraging creativity and exploration.
Outcomes & Impact
Engagement: Hundreds of students actively participated in Energy Overflow Organization’s sessions and field trips, demonstrating high levels of enthusiasm and curiosity.
Skill Development: Students reported increased confidence in teamwork, public speaking, and creative problem-solving.
Exposure to Career Pathways: The concept car design workshops and visit to Pensole Lewis College introduced students to careers in automotive design, engineering, and the creative economy.
Community Building: The program reinforced the importance of supportive peer networks, healthy lifestyle choices, and civic pride, aligning with Summer Discovery’s whole-child approach.
Looking Forward
Energy Overflow Organization is committed to building on the success of Summer Discovery 2025. Future programming will continue to:
Expand hands-on, industry-linked learning in partnership with local professionals.
Integrate life skills and SEL development alongside academic reinforcement.
Provide field trip opportunities that deepen students’ exposure to higher education, career pathways, and cultural institutions.
Support the broader vision of Summer Discovery to create equitable, inspiring summer learning opportunities for students across Southeast Michigan.