Summer Reading Programs

Reading is a key to academic success and a skill that’s too easily neglected over the summer vacation. Every summer, thousands of young readers strengthen their skills by participating in the Summer Reading Game funded by the Foundation and other generous sponsors. Each year’s game centers on a different theme, and youngsters win prizes by spending time reading and advancing around a game board. Middle-schoolers can also participate as Kid Power volunteers helping others play the Summer Reading Game. Since reading opens so many doors and is such a vital job requirement, the Foundation started a Teen Summer Reading Program in 2002 aimed at older students. Teens log their reading time (magazines and graphic novels count, too) and earn prizes that have included pizzas and tickets to local theme parks.