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Second Lady Usha Vance on Wednesday launched the website for her 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, expanding a nationwide childhood literacy initiative that encourages students to read during their summer break.
The program is open to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Participants must read 12 books of their choice, track their reading progress and submit written reflections by Sept. 4.
Students who complete the challenge will receive a digital certificate, a personalized letter and an America 250-themed bookmark. They will also be entered into a drawing to win a trip to Washington, D.C., including a visit to the White House on Sept. 25.
“Reading is its own reward, but I’m excited to announce that kids who participate in my Summer Reading Challenge will also receive fun prizes this summer,” Vance said in a statement released by the White House.
“Congratulations to everyone who has already completed the Challenge; enjoy picking out something special on the new prize website! And if you haven’t started, there’s still plenty of time to make this the best summer of reading yet,” she added.
Students who complete the program may also choose from a variety of prizes, including admission to the Crayola Experience in Florida or Pennsylvania, Walmart and Dairy Queen gift cards, NASA patches and stickers, tickets to the National Children’s Museum in Washington, D.C., and one of 24 books provided through Scholastic.
On the program’s website, Vance encouraged children to embrace reading throughout the summer.
“Every book you open is an adventure, whether you are exploring new places, meeting new characters, or learning something new,” she said. “A whole summer of reading fun is waiting just for you!”
According to Vance, more than 20,000 students participated in the program last year, and enrollment has already tripled for the 2026 challenge.
The reading initiative builds on Vance’s broader effort to promote childhood literacy. In March, she launched the “Storytime with the Second Lady” podcast, which features readings by celebrities, children’s authors, athletes, veterans and musicians.