Summer break. For some students, it means internships and resume-building. For others, it means losing ground they can’t afford to lose.

Here’s what most people don’t talk about: students lose an average of 25-34% of their math skills and 17-28% of their literacy gains over summer. And that’s not because they’re lazy—it’s because access isn’t equal.

While some students are attending leadership programs and building LinkedIn profiles, others are working full-time to help with bills, caring for younger siblings, or simply trying to figure out what their “next step” even looks like.

The students who gain momentum over summer aren’t always the ones with the most privilege. They’re the ones with intentional support—someone who helps them see the opportunities hiding in plain sight.

What summer could look like with the right guidance:

• Finding paid internships that build real experience
• Updating a resume so it actually tells their story
• Networking in ways that feel authentic, not awkward
• Exploring career paths they didn’t know existed
• Preparing financially for the fall semester
• Staying academically sharp without burning out

But here’s the reality: many students are navigating summer alone. They’re balancing work, family expectations, and financial stress—all while trying not to fall behind.

That’s exactly why DAAP doesn’t disappear when the semester ends. Because guidance during the “in-between” seasons often matters more than anyone realizes.

Summer isn’t just downtime. For many students, it’s the season that quietly determines what happens next.