Learning Hubs
& In-Person Support

After California schools began closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was unclear how and when in-person learning could happen safely. Now, research and experience from a range of school, supervision, and camp providers has shown that in-person learning can be done safely under the right conditions.

Beginning in the fall of 2020, communities across the state and country have opened learning hubs: in-person, safe spaces for small groups of students.

This page highlights research, stories from the field, and news coverage on learning hubs and other in-person support for students during COVID-19. If you have a resource to include, please contact us at info@partnerforchildren.org.

What Are Learning Hubs?

Learning hubs fill a need that distance learning cannot replace. Operated by schools, expanded learning providers, cities or private groups of parents, they offer vital support for small groups of students:

• Academic support, including help with distance learning or computer/internet access, and

• Whole-child support, like social-emotional learning, healthy meals and snacks, and exercise.

LEARNING HUBS & EDUCATIONAL EQUITY

Unfortunately, most students in California do not have access to safe, in-person learning through learning hubs. The pandemic has exacerbated the rapidly growing economic and racial disparities among families who can provide (or afford to pay for) learning support and an effective learning environment. By targeting underserved student groups with academic and wellness support, expanding access to in-person learning hubs can be an important strategy to address the trauma and inequities exacerbated by the pandemic. View a map of the status of in-person learning in school districts in California.