As of January 2023, EDMO will be closing all online programming and public, in-person camps, and will transition to a model in which we only partner with schools and districts.
This doesn’t have to mean goodbye! You too can join us and be a force for equity. If EDMO after-school or summer programming is something you’d like to see at your kiddo’s school, reach out to local school officials and encourage them to visit our website.
View our current list of Summer 2023 partners here - if you don't see your school, we may be finalizing our partnership.
We hope to see your kiddo in one of our programs soon or you can also support us today by donating to our cause. We sincerely thank you for your support as we embark on this new chapter of EDMO.
When we started EDMO 18 years ago, our goal was to ensure that all kids had access to high-quality out-of-school learning opportunities. Over the last three years we have taken time to reflect on how our programs, culture and impact align with our mission of providing equitable access to out-of-school learning experiences for kids. We have implemented paradigm shifts like our honor system pricing aimed at dismantling systemic inequities and oppressive structures that keep families from experiencing the magic of camp.
Last year, California announced historic funding for the Expanding Learning Opportunity Programs, or ELO-P; a $4 billion investment in summer and after-school learning programs. ELO-P mandates that public school districts and charter schools provide their most vulnerable students with enriching, 9-hour per day programs for 180 school days and 30 “intersession” days during school breaks or summer. Programs can be offered to all students but they must provide access to high-priority students first. Thanks to this funding, and other donations, almost 80% of campers attended EDMO completely free last summer. The state of California has become a huge catalyst for equity in the out-of-school time space. The choice and shift we have to make moving forward is difficult, but also very clear.
Moving forward, we are shifting from a transactional relationship with schools, to a transformational one. Instead of renting facilities from schools, we are co-designing equity-centered programs together. In this new model, we will only partner with schools and districts that want to ensure that after-school and summer programs expand beyond childcare to focus on meaningful learning, emotional development, closing the achievement gap and providing high-quality programs for ALL children.
We understand that you may have credits on file with us. We are sending information out to anyone with credits on file between now and the end of February for steps on how to donate your credits or process a refund.
Help us promote real, equitable change and help break down systemic barriers that prevent families from accessing high-quality out-of-school learning programs.
If EDMO after school or summer programming is something you’d like to see at your kiddo’s school, reach out to local school officials and encourage them to give us a shout!
