Got plans for your kids this summer? You can add this activity to your list.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham urges parents to sign their children up for New Mexico’s Summer Reading Program. The free initiative helps incoming kindergarteners through outgoing eighth graders boost their literacy skills.
“Three years ago, just over a third of New Mexico students could read at grade level. Now we’re approaching half and climbing,” said Lujan Grisham in a recent Facebook post.
“That’s because we invested in the science of reading, trained our teachers, and made sure every child has a shot at learning to read no matter what,” she continued.
Lujan Grisham said they will keep that momentum going this summer.
“New Mexico’s Summer Reading Program is free, for incoming kindergarteners to outgoing eighth graders. Small groups and trained literacy instructors can make a huge difference in your child’s reading skills. Don’t wait to get them signed up!” she said.
The state offers the program to families, highlighting that reading interventions work. Focused instruction helps students catch up on essential reading skills and build confidence to succeed across all school subjects. The goal is simple: enhance literacy, track reading progress, and boost confidence.
Registration for summer of 2026 is now open. Click here to register your student.
Site Participation
The state seeks to partner with schools, libraries, and community organizations to plan and host Summer Reading Program sites. This effort promotes unity to strengthen literacy and inspire young readers across New Mexico.
Literacy program sites participate by simply providing classroom spaces for four-hour instruction during a four week duration.
The state’s role at program sites include:
- Public outreach campaign for the recruitment of literacy instructors and student participants.
- Oversee student registration for the Summer Reading Program.
- Manage hiring, onboarding, and payment of literacy instructors.
- Establish Summer Reading Program sites throughout New Mexico in partnership with schools and community organizations.
Instructor Applications
If you’re someone who wants to spend your summer making a difference, the state funded program is for you. The initiative encourages current or retired educators, college faculty, and pre-service educators to apply. But, instructors do not need a background in education. All instructors will be trained by literacy experts prior to the beginning of the program.
Applicants for the Summer Reading Program:
- Do not need to be licensed teachers. All literacy instructors will receive training prior to the start of the program as well as ongoing support by literacy experts.
- Must be available for literacy training beginning at the end of March and continuing through April.
- Must be able to work a minimum of 25 hours per week.
Instructors receive compensation at a rate of $35/hour.
The state established the Summer Reading Program in 2024. The initiative provides literacy instruction and intervention to support 10,000 New Mexico students.