Summer for All Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4847
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-22: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-08T16:00:14Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summer for All Act (S. 4847)
Purpose
This legislation creates a new federal program called the Summer for All program. Its goals are to fund high-quality summer activities for youth aged 5 to 22, especially low-income and rural youth, during school breaks. The program aims to offer safe environments, reduce summer learning loss, provide meals at no cost for eligible youth, and expand access to enrichment in underserved areas.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: The bill defines key terms, including "youth," "English learner," "youth with a disability," and "youth experiencing homelessness," drawing from existing education and housing laws. It also defines eligible organizations and the Secretary of Health and Human Services as the lead administrator.
- Summer Enrichment Expansion Grants (Section 3): Competitive grants are awarded directly to community-based organizations, networks of such groups, or colleges for up to 4 years. Recipients must run programs that operate at least 5 days a week for 5 weeks in the summer, require in-person attendance, serve free or reduced-price lunch eligible youth at no cost, and include activities like academic support, social-emotional learning, physical activity, mentoring, and career preparation. Priority is given to groups serving specific vulnerable populations or offering transportation and multiple activity types.
- Summer Programming State Grants (Section 4): Competitive grants go to state governors, state education agencies, or tribal governing bodies for up to 4 years. Funds support planning to close gaps in summer programs, building partnerships between schools, local governments, and community groups, and expanding options at libraries, parks, and museums. Priority favors sustainable efforts, stakeholder input, and focus on underserved areas.
- Data Collection: Up to 5% of funds may support research on summer program needs and progress tracking.
- Funding and Distribution: Authorizes $4 billion total for fiscal years 2027–2030 and $1 billion annually thereafter. At least 47.5% goes to direct expansion grants, up to 47.5% to state grants, and up to 5% to data efforts. Recipients must follow nondiscrimination rules covering race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), and disability.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The Act introduces entirely new grant programs administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (with Education Department consultation for state grants). It does not amend prior statutes but creates standalone authorities for summer-specific funding, subgranting, and reporting requirements beyond those in existing education or youth programs.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases administrative responsibilities for the Department of Health and Human Services in grant oversight and for the Department of Education in consultations. States, local education agencies, and tribal governments gain new funding streams and partnership roles.
- Citizens: Expands free or low-cost summer options for youth, particularly low-income, rural, English learners, youth with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, and others in priority groups, potentially improving safety, nutrition, and skill development.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Youth aged 5–22 and their families, especially those from low-income, rural, Native, or at-risk backgrounds.
- Community-based organizations, colleges, libraries, parks departments, and nonprofits delivering programs.
- State and local governments, including education agencies and Indian Tribes.
- Educators, parents, and municipal officials involved in planning and feedback.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill includes explicit nondiscrimination protections that encompass sexual orientation and gender identity. It emphasizes partnerships with tribal entities and requires public reporting of grant outcomes. No major constitutional issues are raised in the text itself, though the new federal role in summer programming represents an expansion of support for out-of-school time activities.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT]
Cosponsors (4)
Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-22: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2026-06-22: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Summer for All Act — issued 2026-06-22 — PDF (17 pages)