Boys and Girls of Summer | Summer Pathways Challenge
Your Gift. Their Path Forward.
The Boys of Summer and Girls of Summer programs are free, summer academic enrichment experiences for low-income middle school students (rising 6th and 7th graders) from Glynn and McIntosh counties, designed to boost academic skills and cultivate confidence, leadership, and a belief in future success.
Originally launched in the early 1990s to address low graduation rates among local young men, the Boys of Summer has grown into a celebrated, long-running initiative. Based on its success, the Girls of Summer program began in 2017, expanding these opportunities to young women in the community.
Celebrating over 30 years of impact, these programs are a cornerstone of the College’s commitment to academic success and community empowerment.
Your Investment Changes Lives!
Every dollar invested fuels equity, opportunity, and academic empowerment for children who need it most. It provides instructional materials and academic resources, mentorship and enrichment activities, daily meals and transportation, and expanded outreach and program sustainability.
Community Support Makes It Possible!
These programs are funded entirely by community support and donor generosity. Local partners like the Fourteen Black Men of Glynn, The Links of Brunswick, foundations, businesses, school districts, and individual donors play a vital role in sustaining this work.
Invest in an Educator* – $5,000 (each teacher)
- Support a Teacher: 5 total
- Empowers the instructional team who guides students academically and emotionally.
Power the Journey* – $4,000
- Full Cost of Transportation – Buy the Buses
- Funds all transportation needs for the entire program, eliminating the largest barrier to access.
Fuel a Day of Learning* – $2,000 (each day)
- Cost of Instruction for a Day: 15 days total
- Ensures a full day of hands-on academics, mentorship, and enrichment.
Sponsor the Etiquette Luncheon* – $1,500
- Celebration & Life-Skills Event
- Covers the signature luncheon where students learn confidence, professionalism, and social skills.
Bridge the Distance – $300 (per day)
- Cover Transportation for a Day: 15 days total
- Ensures students can safely access the program regardless of where they live.
Feed a Young Mind – $150
- Cover the Cost of Snacks for the Day: 15 days total
- Ensures healthy snacks are available for students to eat at school or take home.
Equip a Summer Scholar – $50 (per scholar)
- Books and Learning Supplies Per Scholar (typically 30 scholars).
- Provides each student with the materials needed for success.
*Donors at this level will be recognized on the program’s website, in print, and by name at graduation and other events.
Program Goals & Activities
Students participate in a three-week summer experience on the College of Coastal Georgia campus that includes:
- academic focus on reading, writing, and math.
- mentorship with college students, faculty, and community leaders.
- career exploration and guest speakers.
- life skills development (conflict resolution, professionalism, etiquette, critical thinking, financial literacy, and mental and physical wellbeing.
- computer lab instruction and report cards
- daily lunch and bus transportation provided by partner school districts
- Capstone Graduation Event where students celebrate their achievements in a cap-and-gown ceremony, receiving a program “diploma” to mark the completion of their summer experience.
Parents are also invited to participate in the graduation program, reinforcing family support in each student’s journey.
Why It Matters
These programs provide:
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academic support: helping students strengthen core skills that are critical for success in school and beyond.
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confidence and belonging: encouraging participants to see themselves as capable learners and future college students.
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community connections: exposure to local leaders, professionals, and role models.
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lifelong impact: Alumni of these programs are more likely to stay engaged academically and pursue higher education goals.