Horizons’ mission is to improve the life trajectory of students from low-income families by instilling in them the joy of learning, the skills for success, and the inspiration to realize their dreams. We operate a community-centered model proven to help close the gaps of opportunity and achievement for children from low-income families. The Horizons model is set apart by the combination of a tuition-free, six-week, summer academic and enrichment program and the long-term commitment Horizons makes to students and their families, beginning in Kindergarten and remaining with the same students through 8th grade and, in many cases, beyond. In 2020, during our COVID-19 pandemic response, the growing Horizons network served nearly 5,000 students at 64 sites in 19 states. Evidence shows the Horizons approach mitigates gaps of opportunity, skills, and achievement: • Over a typical 6-week summer session, Horizons students achieve an average 6 to 12 weeks’ improvement in reading and math – reversing the typical “summer slide” and sending students back to school ahead of where they left in June; • 97% of students in Horizons high school programs graduate on time; • Students show improved social skills, self-confidence, motivation, attitudes toward learning, and school-year attendance. All Horizons students also learn to swim. This long-term approach and lasting impact are more important now than ever before, as the students, families, and communities we serve grapple with the disruption and trauma caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.