Second Lady Usha Vance Announces Launch of Summer Reading Challenge Prize Website
Jul 15, 2026 | 6:47 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
07/15/2026
Second Lady Usha Vance Announces Launch of Summer Reading Challenge Prize Website
On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Second Lady Usha Vance announced the launch of her Summer Reading Challenge’s prize website, where competitors can choose a reward after submitting their reading log and reflection.
“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. 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,” said Second Lady Usha Vance.
Once students submit their reading log and reflection, they will be able to select a reward from an online prize shop featuring gifts from Crayola, Walmart, Wendy’s, Dairy Queen, NASA, and more. Sample prizes include:
A ticket to the Crayola Experience in Florida or Pennsylvania
Scouting America Summer Reading Challenge patches and mini Scout Life magazines
A Dairy Queen gift card
A book selection from 24 Scholastic Books
A Walmart gift card
A ticket to the National Children’s Museum in Washington, D.C.
Crayola markers
A Wendy’s Frosty coupon
Freedom 250 patches and stickers
NASA patches and stickers
In addition to a prize from the online portal, participants of the Summer Reading Challenge receive a personalized certificate of completion, a letter from the Second Lady, an America 250-themed bookmark produced in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, and a raffle entry for a visit to the White House.
Literacy levels decline over summer break, worsening the 2024 reading proficiency levels by 31% for fourth graders and 30% for eighth graders. The Second Lady’s Summer Reading Challenge seeks to combat summer learning declines and encourage childhood literacy through friendly competition and rewards. To enter, children grades K-8 submit an online reading log of 12 books they have read over the summer in exchange for special prizes from the Challenge’s supporters.
Over 20,000 students submitted reading logs as part of the 2025 pilot program. This year’s submissions are currently triple the number received this time last year. Enhancements to the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge include an expanded prize selection to better engage with participants, strengthened collaboration with schools, libraries, and community organizations, greater participation access for children with learning and developmental differences, and special mementos and partnerships celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Summer Reading Challenge submissions will be accepted until September 4th, 2026. Please visit wh.gov/read for more information.
