National Summer Learning Association Appoints Education Leader, Activist, Margaret McKenna as Chairman of the Board
Former President of Walmart Foundation brings veteran experience to organization committed to closing the achievement gap
Baltimore, MD (March 6, 2017) – Research shows that no matter how well America’s young people do the nine months of the school year, low-income children often fall behind their higher- income peers without access to essential services and programs provided through quality afterschool and summer enrichment opportunities.
“Summer learning loss is real for most students and a drain on our education system,” said Margaret McKenna, former president of the Walmart Foundation. “Communities that invest deeply in keeping all young people learning, safe and healthy during the critical summer months reap measurable rewards in stronger schools, safer neighborhoods and a better-prepared workforce.”
McKenna, also President Emeritus of Lesley University and former president of Suffolk University, has been elected Chairman of the Board of the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) — the only national nonprofit exclusively focused on closing the achievement gap by increasing access to high-quality summer learning opportunities.
In her role as NSLA Chairman of the Board, McKenna will provide crucial leadership for the organization and its advocacy, fundraising, community outreach efforts and awareness campaign: Smarter Summers, Brighter Futures.