From left, Hal Callithen, Aidan Sheakley, Caleb Halenda and Thomas Saxman, students of the ARC of Butler County's Activities, Employment and Recreational Opportunities Transition Summer Camp, stand by a block tower they constructed at camp in June. Submitted photo

Summer can feel like an eternity for students who rely on school to get much of their social interaction with friends, which is one aspect of the “summer slide” United Way is trying to fight.

United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania said the agency is funding Welcome Back Summer programs that support youth engagement and education throughout the summer, several of which are in Butler County. Jared Stewart, impact coordinator for the United Way, said funding summer programming is one way the organization fills community needs.

“It helps combat the learning loss that takes place in the summer months — the loss of academic skills between a school year ending and one beginning,” Stewart said. “It also provides opportunities for socialization; building and maintaining relationships; and opportunities to grow and strengthen social skills, confidence.”