With up to $2,000 per enrolled student in grant funding, your district can build or enhance summer programming that meets the unique needs of your community.
Last summer, applications for Summer 2026 were limited to eligible schools in districts within the ESD 105 and ESD 121 regions. This year, DiscoverWorks is expanding to all nine ESD regions in summer 2027.
Attend a webinar to learn more or apply now.
Why DiscoverWorks? Because every child deserves a strong start.
- Proven impact: In Washington’s 2026 pilot, DiscoverWorks served nearly 8,000 students in 19 school districts. The greatest academic growth came from students who needed support the most.
- Academic gains: Enrolled students showed a threefold increase in English language arts proficiency and a twofold increase in math proficiency.
- Safe, structured, and fun: Full-day programs keep kids engaged, learning, and connected to school during the summer months.
- High satisfaction: Students reported feeling more prepared for the upcoming school year. Educators praised the program’s structure, quality, and outcomes.
DiscoverWorks Program Details
Who it Serves
Students entering grades 1–10 in fall 2027 (students completing grades K–9 in spring 2027)
Program Format
In-person, full-day programming with an average of three hours of academic instruction for a minimum of four weeks
What’s Included
Academic instruction, optional Lavinia RISE summer curriculum, enrichment activities, and meals
Where
Eligible schools across Washington
Cost
No cost to families. DiscoverWorks is fully grant-funded.
Eligibility Criteria
Schools must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a traditional public school, public charter school, or State-Tribal Education Compact school
- Serve a student population in which at least 40% qualify for free lunch*
- Provide in-person programming for students entering grades 1–10 in fall 2027
*This information is based on publicly available data from the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore the program FAQs to learn more about the program requirements, eligibility criteria, application process, and more.
Join a DiscoverWorks Program Information Webinar
Learn how DiscoverWorks can benefit your school and get your questions answered. Each 60-minute session covers:
- Application components overview
- Funding model and budget
- High-quality program design
- Lavinia RISE Summer Learning Program, the optional ELA and math curriculum
Webinars (select one time to attend):
Unable to attend a live webinar? Fill out our webinar recording request form to gain access to the recording.
How to Apply
Districts will apply for the DiscoverWorks program using the electronic platform Submittable. Submittable allows applicants to save progress and complete the application in multiple sittings. Multiple people can also collaborate on a single application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Deadlines
- The early decision application deadline is December 31, 2026
- The final application deadline is January 29, 2027
- All applicants will be notified by March 12, 2027
Join a webinar and visit the FAQs for more information about the DiscoverWorks program requirements and grant application.
DiscoverWorks Partners
DiscoverWorks is made possible through generous support from Ballmer Group and is operated in partnership with Building Impact Partners and the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD). Together, we are working to expand equitable access to quality summer learning in Washington.
Regional Implementation Leads
Reach out to your regional contact below or select the Request Information button to submit a form.
ESD 101
TBA
ESD 105
Kendra Korynta
ESD 112
Kathy Whitlock
ESD 113
Hailey Shelton
ESD 114
TBA
ESD 121
Amber McCulloch
ESD 123
Berenise Ramirez
ESD 171
TBA
ESD 189
TBA