Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge is a seasonal initiative that operates during the summer months (June–August). It is designed for children ages 4 to 14 and is divided into three age-appropriate groups: early learners (PreK–1st grade), elementary (2nd–5th grade), and middle school (6th–8th grade).

Format:

• Mobile & Embedded: Delivered through school partnerships, community centers, and pop-up reading stations in local neighborhoods
• In-Person Sessions: Weekly group activities including storytelling, book clubs, and reading challenges
• Family Literacy Nights: Monthly events that encourage family engagement and intergenerational reading
• Take-Home Literacy Kits: Curated books and activities that children can explore at home

Children track their reading with personalized logbooks, earn incentives along the way, and celebrate their achievements at our annual end-of-summer Literacy Celebration.

Short-term goals include:

• Preventing summer learning loss among participants
• Improving reading comprehension and vocabulary
• Increasing engagement through culturally relevant literature
• Fostering positive self-expression through writing and storytelling

Long-term goals include:

• Breaking cycles of educational disparity in underserved communities
• Creating confident, curious readers who carry their love of learning into adulthood
• Strengthening family bonds through shared literacy experiences
• Identifying and cultivating young leaders through creative expression

Since its pilot year, the Summer Reading Challenge has reached over 200 children across Dover and surrounding communities. Parents have reported noticeable improvements in their child’s interest in reading, stronger vocabulary, and a deeper bond through shared reading time at home.

One parent shared, “This program brought books into our home that we never had before—and now my son reads to his younger sister before bed. It’s become our favorite part of the day.”

Community centers have also noted increased participation during literacy weeks, with children excited to return and share what they’ve read. Through our embedded model, we’ve connected with families in spaces where they already feel safe and supported—bridging access with impact.