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.
Student Participation
Register Your Student or Child Today!
The Summer Reading Program, open for K-8 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-to-six-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.
Program Overview
About the Summer Reading Program
The State is establishing 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 to 6 week program with 4 hours a day of instruction
Programs begin in June and run through July
The Summer Reading Program is a free program for New Mexico students funded by the State of New Mexico.
Summer Reading Program Available Statewide
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 9th 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 to six weeks.The length of the New Mexico Summer Reading Program may vary depending on the organization hosting the program.
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
Yes, there will be incentives or rewards for participation and reaching goals.
Yes, there will be incentives or rewards for participation and reaching goals.
Is the program in-person or remote?
Our goal is to provide in-person instruction. However, a remote option may be available to students should there be a need.
Who can I contact if I have questions or need assistance with the program?
Please contact Michelle Korbakes, NMPED at michelle.korbakes@ped.nm.gov or 575.491.5773.
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. Please contact NMPED staff Michelle Korbakes at michelle.korbakes@ped.nm.gov or 575.491.5773 to identify program sites that will provide transportation options.
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.
Instructor Participation
Register as a Literacy Instructor Today!
Spend your summer making a difference in students’ lives! Current or retired educators, college faculty, and pre-service educators are encouraged to apply, however instructors do not need a background in education. All instructors will be trained by literacy experts prior to the beginning of the program. Apply today and take part in this important state funded program.
Instructor Details
- Do not need to be licensed teachers. All literacy instructors will receive training prior to the start of the program as well as ongoing support by literacy experts.
- Must be available for literacy training at the end of May or the first part of June.
- Must be able to work a minimum of 25 hours per week.
- Can potentially continue working as a literacy instructor through the school year.
Instructor Compensation
Instructors will be compensated at a rate of $35/hour.
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-to-six-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.