Operation Shoestring

06/18/2026

06/11/2026

"In both math and reading, improvements among younger students were driven by the lowest performers — students in the bottom 25 percent, who had been losing ground for years starting well before the pandemic."

A national test found surprising progress among 9-year-olds, who are fully caught up in reading. But 13-year-olds have shown no improvement.

06/11/2026

Our summer camp is in full swing! You can support our six weeks of field trips, arts, music, and fun at https://operationshoestring.org/support/

06/06/2026

https://operationshoestring.pulse.ly/axb1oelyzv

A recap of Operation Shoestring's annual spring celebration held for our community and volunteers!

06/02/2026

We've launched six weeks of summer camp for roughly 200 kids! You can support our free program for families at https://operationshoestring.pulse.ly/3lf8nq2ubm

05/28/2026

We're delighted to announce the selection of our American Council of Learned Societies Leading Edge scholar, Kayla Lutes! She will serve as our Program Evaluation and Research Coordinator for two years.

The Program Evaluation and Research Coordinator will support program evaluation, conduct research and data analysis, and communicate details of evidence-based practices for programs. This position will primarily gather and document service recipient and wider community feedback and associated data, while identifying opportunities for greater community impact. Work conducted by the fellow will assist in deepening community development work as well as strategic planning.

05/26/2026

Your support plays a vital role in helping Operation Shoestring create wider opportunities for children like Skye across Jackson. Through partnerships and volunteer support, people in our community can invest directly in programs that strengthen academic success, build confidence, and connect communities. Learn more at https://operationshoestring.pulse.ly/gfyjzbalzc

05/22/2026

Operation Shoestring is saddened to share that our longtime afterschool and summer camp staffer Marilyn McLaurin has passed. Details about the funeral service are in the image. We will deeply miss Mrs. McLaurin and celebrate her incredible impact on so many generations of Shoestring children and families. May her memory be a blessing!