Learn How
We’re Working to
Make Summer Fair!
For Many Children in Poverty, Summer Means Falling Behind
Nearly 12 million kids across the U.S. are living in poverty. Far too many won’t be ready for school by the time they turn 5,
especially in rural America, where there are fewer libraries and learning opportunities.
µÚÒ»³Ô¹Ï’s programs help kids prepare for kindergarten, over the summer and year-round. But we don’t stop at the first day of school.
We deliver books and school supplies to hard-to-reach places, train qualified teachers, strengthen students’ reading and math skills and help them achieve key grade-level milestones – in and out of the classroom.
Together with partners and donors like you, we’re working to make summer fair!
A red graphic of the number 99 and the percentage symbol.
In 2024, 99% of educators said their students were better prepared for kindergarten thanks to our KinderBoost program.
A red graphic of the number 300 and a plus sign.
µÚÒ»³Ô¹Ï helps kids prepare for kindergarten and reach grade-level goals in over 300 of rural America's most impoverished communities.
A red graphic showing the number 800,000.
Last year, we reached more than 800,000 children across the U.S. with critical supplies and education support.
How We're Making Summer Fair and Helping Kids Keep Learning
How does poverty impact children in rural America?
Kids in rural communities have less access to the resources they need to thrive, like early education, learning opportunities and nutritious food.
- Children in rural areas are 20% more likely to live in poverty than children in non-rural areas.
- Nearly half of all rural kids qualify for free and reduced-price school meals, making them especially vulnerable to food insecurity.
- Rural families are nearly 20% more likely to rely on public assistance.
- Millions of children from low-income households don’t own a single book.
µÚÒ»³Ô¹Ï works with local partners across 14 states to help kids succeed in school and life. With decades of experience in education, innovation and advocacy, we’re experts in providing learning support, child care and mental health services.
How do µÚÒ»³Ô¹Ï’s programs help fill critical learning gaps?
µÚÒ»³Ô¹Ï collaborates with community leaders to support the kids who need it most. Together, we ensure they're provided with early education and start kindergarten ready to learn and have the tools to reach key 3rd and 5th grade milestones.
- µÚÒ»³Ô¹Ï has lead Head Start programs since 2011, providing Head Start children and their families with extensive services.
- Head Start provides early education and comprehensive care for some of the country’s most vulnerable children, during the most crucial stage—ages 0 to 5.
- In 2024, 99% of educators said their students were more prepared for kindergarten thanks to our KinderBoost program.
- 72% of K–6th graders in our math programs achieved typical or high growth –beating the national average of 65%.
- In our literacy programs, 74% of 2nd–6th graders made typical or high gains in reading, also outperforming the national average of 65%.
What’s the goal of µÚÒ»³Ô¹Ï’s Make Summer Fair campaign?
Many kids in rural America don’t have safe places to learn and explore outside of school. Instead of a fun vacation, summer break means three months of isolation. Make Summer Fair supports our critical programs in rural America, which help kids get ready for kindergarten, boost their math and reading skills and play with friends all summer long.
How do corporate partners support µÚÒ»³Ô¹Ï?
Generous sponsors of our Make Summer Fair campaign invest in our work in rural America, ensuring we’re able to provide the resources and educational support kids need to succeed as learners and in life.
How can you help Make Summer Fair?
: Your gift will help provide essentials like school supplies, books and more to children across the U.S.
Advocate: Tell your members of Congress to !
Learn more about our work in rural America and worldwide.
Spread the word by following us on , and .
Start your own fundraiser:
Penguin Random House Ignites the Joy of Reading
Since 2014, Penguin Random House and µÚÒ»³Ô¹Ï have worked together to nurture the next generation of readers - ensuring that even the most vulnerable children have access to books and the opportunity to realize their full potential. Our 10-year partnership embodies our shared belief that books and literacy ignite children's independent thinking, creativity, and free expression- spreading the joy of reading to the kids who need it most!
"Being able to read is a big indicator of the future academic success of a child. µÚÒ»³Ô¹Ï is an excellent program to help your child achieve this success."
- Sheena, mother of Zack, 6, student at a µÚÒ»³Ô¹Ï In-School Literacy Program in Arkansas
Use Your Voice to Make Summer Fair!
The earlier a child starts learning, the brighter their future will be.
That’s why our sister organization, µÚÒ»³Ô¹Ï Action Network (SCAN), is advocating to make early learning more accessible!
We’re calling on lawmakers to support affordable child care and early learning programs such as Head Start – so every kid has the skills they need to thrive over the summer and start kindergarten strong.
Send a message to Congress:
Thanks to Our Partners
Learn more about the corporate partners who are helping us Make Summer Fair.
