United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley has announced it is distributing $100,000 to 12 local youth-serving agencies as part of the organization's Summer Experiences in Greater Lowell initiative. The investment is expected to benefit more than 2,000 children this summer by exposing them to arts and culture, engaging them in sports, and helping them to develop leadership, social, and academic skills while school is not in session. The program also provides summer employment opportunities for older children. Its goal is to counteract summer learning loss, which has been shown to create an achievement gap over time. For a list of the organizations receiving funding, visit www.supportunitedway.org.