The State of New Mexico Presents The
Free Summer Reading Program
New Mexico’s Summer Reading Program is an innovative free program set to empower 10,000 students from incoming kindergarteners to outgoing eighth graders with focused reading instruction in small groups with trained literacy instructors. This program is being offered free to New Mexico families because reading interventions work. Students who receive focused instruction can get caught up in important reading skills and gain the confidence they need to be successful in all school subjects. Our goals are simple: enhance literacy, track reading progress, and boost confidence and skills in literacy.
Program Site Participation
Register as a Literacy Program Site Today!
The State of New Mexico seeks to partner with schools and community to plan and conduct the Summer Reading Program in communities across the state.
Literacy Program Sites Participate By
- Provide classroom spaces for four-hour instruction during a four week duration.
- Promote the Summer Reading Program to students, families, and local communities.
The State will Provide
- 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.
Program Overview
About the Summer Reading Program
The State established the Summer Reading Program in 2024. The Summer Reading Program is a literacy instruction and intervention program that will support 10,000 New Mexico students from incoming kindergarteners through outgoing eighth graders.
The Summer Reading Program objectives are the following:
Small group instruction, 4 students per group
4 week program with 4 hours a day of instruction
Programs will take place June 2-27, 2025
The Summer Reading Program is a free program for New Mexico students funded by the State of New Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about the Summer Reading Program?
Find all the answers you need in our FAQ section, from who can join and how to register, to program activities, costs, and safety measures. Discover how we’re making reading fun and accessible for New Mexico’s students entering kindergarten through 9th grade, all at no cost to families.
Who can participate in the program?
New Mexico students entering kindergarten through outgoing eighth grade may participate in the Summer Reading Program.
How do I register for the program?
Click here to register your child(ren).
What types of activities are included in the program?
The New Mexico Summer Reading Program is designed to support entering kindergarten through outgoing eighth grade students in English Language Arts (ELA) standards/skills such as phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing. Students will receive focused reading instruction in small groups with trained literacy instructors.
Is there a cost to participate in the program?
It is a FREE literacy program for New Mexico students.
How long does the program last?
The program will meet four hours daily for four weeks.
What are the benefits of participating in the program?
Participating in the New Mexico Summer Reading Program offers students targeted support and personalized instruction to strengthen their reading skills. With dedicated instructors and evidence-based strategies, students receive tailored guidance to address their specific learning needs and build confidence in their abilities. This intensive intervention not only improves academic performance but also fosters a lifelong love for reading and learning.
What safety measures are in place for in-person program activities?
The Summer Reading Program will meet NMPED safety requirements related to public schools. This includes a requirement for program staff to undergo a background check that includes:
- National Criminal Check
- State & County Criminal Check
- National Sex Offender Check
- SSN Verification
- Government Sanctions
Is the program in-person or remote?
The program will take place in-person in summer 2025.
Who can I contact if I have questions or need assistance with the program?
Please contact literacy.nm@state.nm.us with any questions or for assistance.
Will food be provided for my child?
Districts and Charter Schools are encouraged to provide breakfast, lunch and/or snacks during the Summer Reading Program. For more information, please contact the site location where your child(ren) will attend.
Is transportation available?
Districts and Charter Schools may opt to provide transportation to children that live within their home district. For more information, please contact the site location where your child(ren) will attend.
What time will the program start?
The Summer Reading Program is designed to be four hours a day, however schedules will vary depending on site location. For more information, please contact the site location where your student will attend.
Does my student get a break to play outside?
The Summer Reading Program will include breaks for students during the daily four hour instructional time. Each program site will have a plan for breaks which may include outdoor play time.
Student Participation
Register Your Student or Child Today!
The Summer Reading Program, open for entering kindergarten through outgoing eighth grade students, offers a literacy-boosting experience through small group instruction with trained literacy instructors. Participating students are expected to experience meaningful gains in reading during the four week program.
Summer Reading Program Objectives
- Improve literacy outcomes for all students participating in this program.
- Measure reading progress of students during and upon completion of this program.
- Build confidence and competence in literacy skills that will support students’ academic achievement.
The Program is Free
The Summer Reading Program is a free program for New Mexico students funded by the State of New Mexico.
Sign up if you are interested in participating in the 2025 New Mexico Summer Reading Program. We will reach out to you with instructions regarding enrollment as soon as registration is open.
Click Here to Express Interest in the 2025 Program
Instructor Participation
Register as a Literacy Instructor Today!
Sign up here to learn more about becoming a Summer Reading Program instructor. Information about how to apply for the 2025 program will be available soon.
Click Here to Express Interest in the 2025 Program