Usha Vance launches summer reading challenge to tackle declining literacy rates

In the United States, the Second Lady Usha Vance has recently initiated the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge aimed specifically at enhancing the reading skills and mental well-being of American children. This challenge calls upon children from kindergarten to eight grade to engage in reading 12 books of their choice between the dates of June 1 and September 5. It includes tracking their progress through a reading log that is provided by the White House, which requires them to note down the titles of the books, author names, reading completion dates, and reflections on their favorite book. This initiative was revealed following a disconcerting 2022 report from the National Center for Education Statistics, which indicated a significant decline in reading scores among 9-year-old students, marking the largest drop since 1990. According to the report, there was a five-point decrease in reading scores from 2020, with nearly 40% of students in the U.S. failing to reach a basic reading level. A staggering 70% of low-income fourth graders also fell below the basic reading level, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. The report emphasized the social and emotional challenges faced by struggling readers, reinforcing the importance of reading for building positive mental health outcomes, which have been shown to alleviate stress and anxiety. Usha Vance's initiative aims to counteract these troubling statistics through the promotion of reading and its associated benefits during the summer months when children may lack structured learning environments. Participants who successfully complete the challenge will be rewarded with a personalized certificate and a small prize as a testament to their efforts and achievements in reading during this period.