Second Lady Usha Vance Expands Summer Reading Challenge

Second Lady Usha Vance has announced the launch of the prize website for her 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, allowing participating students to select rewards after submitting their reading logs and reflections.

“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,” Vance said in a statement released July 15, 2026.

After submitting a reading log and reflection, students can choose a reward through an online prize portal featuring items and offers from organizations and companies including Crayola, Walmart, Wendy’s, Dairy Queen, NASA, and others.

Sample prizes include:

• Tickets to the Crayola Experience in Florida or Pennsylvania
• Scouting America Summer Reading Challenge patches and mini Scout Life magazines
• Dairy Queen gift cards
• A selection of books from Scholastic
• Walmart gift cards
• Tickets to the National Children’s Museum in Washington, D.C.
• Crayola markers
• Wendy’s Frosty coupons
• America250-themed patches and stickers
• NASA patches and stickers

According to the statement, participants also receive a personalized certificate of completion, a letter from the Second Lady, an America250-themed bookmark produced in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, and an entry into a raffle for a visit to the White House.

The statement cited concerns about summer learning loss, noting that reading proficiency declined in 2024, with proficiency rates at 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 in 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,” the statement said.

The initiative drew more than 20,000 student submissions during its 2025 pilot program. According to the statement, participation in the 2026 challenge is currently three times higher than it was at the same point last year.

The statement said the 2026 program includes several enhancements, including an expanded selection of prizes, stronger partnerships with schools, libraries, and community organizations, improved accessibility for children with learning and developmental differences, and commemorative items and partnerships marking America’s 250th anniversary.

Submissions for the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge will be accepted through September 4, 2026. Additional information is available at wh.gov/read.

Related posts:

Usha Vance Reflects on “Trip of a Lifetime” to India, Highlights US-India Friendship at USISPF Event US Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance to Visit India Amid Trade Tensions VP JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance to Visit India for Diplomatic and Cultural Engagements JD Vance Highlights US-India Strategic Partnership at India-US Forum in Jaipur, Praises PM Modi’s Leadership