Grants Pass Schools Receive Summer Learning Grant
State funding will support Kinder Camps, Literacy Quest and a middle school transition academy.
Students participate in a hands-on summer learning activity through Grants Pass School District 7. The district has received state funding to support literacy, enrichment and school readiness programs for elementary and middle school students.Image provided by GPSD
GRANTS PASS, Ore. — Grants Pass School District 7 has been awarded state funding to support summer learning programs focused on literacy, enrichment and school readiness.
The district is a recipient of the 2026–28 State Summer Learning Grants, part of a $35 million annual statewide investment established through House Bill 2007. The funding is intended to expand access to summer programs that strengthen literacy skills and support student success.
District 7 said the grant will help provide summer programs for elementary and middle school students, while high school summer programming will continue to be supported through High School Success funds.
“Summer learning creates space for students to strengthen essential skills while also experiencing the joy and relevance of learning,” said Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of Oregon Department of Education. “These programs help young people stay connected, build confidence, and continue growing through experiences that are both academically meaningful and engaging.”
The funding will allow District 7 to continue offering its annual Kinder Camps for incoming kindergarten students. The free camps are open to all incoming kindergartners in District 7 and are designed to help students build readiness and confidence before the school year begins through hands-on activities.
For elementary students, District 7 will offer Literacy Quest, a four-week summer camp for invited current first- and second-grade students who may benefit from additional literacy support. Students will attend four days a week for four hours each day, with literacy instruction paired with enrichment activities such as art, science and physical education.
At the middle school level, the grant will support a 5th- to 6th-Grade Transition Academy for invited students who need additional reading and writing support before entering middle school. The academy will be held at the GP Annex across from Grants Pass High School and will run for five weeks, four days a week, four hours per day.
District 7 is also partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley for the Transition Academy. The partnership will provide additional enrichment opportunities, including STEAM activities, art, fitness and more. Students invited to participate in the academy will also be able to attend the Boys & Girls Club free of charge throughout the summer.
“We are incredibly grateful to be one of the recipients of this State Summer Learning Grant funding,” said Grants Pass School District 7 Superintendent Tim Sweeney. “These programs will provide meaningful literacy support, engaging enrichment opportunities, and a strong foundation for students as they prepare for the upcoming school year. We know this investment will make a positive impact on students and help set them up for success this fall.”
Families of students invited to participate in Literacy Quest and the Transition Academy will be contacted soon. Space in all programs is limited.
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