JUNE 26, 2025 – Second Lady Usha Vance launched a nationwide Summer Reading Program encouraging kindergarten through eighth-grade students to read 12 books during the summer break.
This challenge provides families with a valuable opportunity to support learning at home while reinforcing core values central to the Guardian ethos: intellectual curiosity, adaptability and resilience.
The program includes a downloadable tracker available at whitehouse.gov/read, which allows participants to log their reading progress throughout the summer. After finishing 12 books, students can reach out to the program managers for a personalized certificate and a small prize.
In her letter announcing the program, Vance emphasizes, “Reading over the summer is critical to preventing the ‘summer slide’ and building lifelong learning habits. I hope families across the country take on this challenge together.”
Whether stationed at home or overseas, Guardian families can participate by selecting books in any format — print or digital — and tracking their progress. Units may also consider sharing the challenge through base libraries, youth programs or family support centers.
Encouraging literacy and curiosity in young readers aligns with the Space Force’s broader focus on intellectual development and readiness, ensuring the next generation is equipped to think critically, solve problems and lead with confidence in a rapidly evolving world.
To participate:
- Visit whitehouse.gov/read
- Download the Summer Reading Challenge tracker
- Read 12 books over the summer
- Share achievements using #SecondLadySummerReads
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs