Back-to-school season is upon us, as students young and old head back to the classroom. But planning for school is so much more than just buying a new backpack and school supplies; preparing for the next year of education happens all summer long. That’s why cable networks offer great programs and activities that encourage learning during the summer months. Here are a few of our favorites:
NICKELODEON GOES BEYOND THE BACKPACK
Nickelodeon, through a partnership with Learning Care Group, Inc., created Beyond the Backpack, a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of education and preparing for Kindergarten. The program is meant to complement Nick Jr.’s programming by providing parents and caregivers with activities and resources in family engagement, health, literacy, emotional skills, and STEM education.
SCRIPPS HELPS KIDS START SCHOOL OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
Scripps Networks Interactive works closely with the Knoxville Area Urban League for the annual Shoes for School back-to-school event in Knoxville, Tennessee, home to Scripps Networks Interactive headquarters. The program provides hundreds of students aged 5-to-12 with a new pair of sneakers to start the school year as well as some extra school supplies like notebooks and pens. This year’s event was able to help more than 1,000 kids!
COMEDY CENTRAL'S SUMMER SCHOOL IS COOL
Almost in its tenth year, Comedy Central partners with NYU, Columbia, Northwestern, Emerson, and Howard and offers college students an eight-week internship, called Comedy Central Summer School, for aspiring comedy writers. Participants rotate through on-air, digital and development departments at Comedy Central and spend a week behind-the-scenes at The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.
PLAYING OUTSIDE IS SUMMER LEARNING
National Geographic Education’s website is rich with lessons, activities, maps, videos, games and much more to be used by parents and teachers to help diversify teaching plans. One particular summer program is the National Geographic BioBlitz, a 24-hour period of intense biological surveying and species identification. The network also provides materials online to help kids conduct their own geo-related event in their backyard or schoolyard.
WHEN SCHOOL'S OUT, CLUBS ARE IN
Disney joined with The Boys and Girls Clubs of America to unveil Great Futures: The Campaign for America’s Kids, spreading the word about the benefits of afterschool clubs and activities. Their joint mission is to ensure that all Boys and Girls club members graduate from high school, demonstrating good work ethic, character, health, and wellness.