Grants Pass School District 7 is preparing for a broader and more structured summer learning season after being selected to receive funding through Oregon’s State Summer Learning Grant program, a multi-year investment designed to strengthen academic outcomes and student engagement across the state.
The district is among recipients of the 2026–2028 grant cycle, part of a $35 million annual statewide allocation established through House Bill 2007. The funding is intended to expand access to high-quality summer programs that reinforce literacy, support academic growth, and provide enrichment opportunities for students at multiple grade levels.
District officials say the funding will be used to build out a range of summer offerings focused on literacy development, school readiness, and hands-on enrichment for elementary and middle school students, while also continuing opportunities for high school students through existing 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 the 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.”
At the earliest grade levels, District 7 will continue its Kinder Camps, designed for incoming kindergarten students. These programs are offered at no cost to families and aim to help children build confidence and familiarity with the school environment before the academic year begins. The camps emphasize social development and foundational learning through interactive and activity-based experiences.
Elementary students identified as needing additional literacy support will have access to a program known as Literacy Quest, a four-week summer camp targeting current first- and second-grade students. Participants will attend four days each week, with daily sessions lasting four hours. Instruction will focus on reading and writing skills while integrating enrichment activities such as art, science, and physical education to maintain engagement and reinforce learning in a broader context.
Middle school students will also see expanded opportunities through the creation of a fifth- to sixth-grade Transition Academy. This program is intended to support students preparing to enter middle school who may benefit from additional instruction in reading and writing. The academy is scheduled to run for five weeks at the Grants Pass High School Annex, operating four days per week with four-hour daily sessions.
District leaders have also established a partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley to enhance the Transition Academy experience. Students enrolled in the program will have access to additional enrichment activities, including STEAM-based learning, fitness programming, and creative arts. Participants will also be eligible to attend the Boys and Girls Club free of charge throughout the summer, extending the impact of the program beyond the classroom setting.
Superintendent Tim Sweeney said the district views the grant as both an opportunity and a responsibility to address learning gaps while supporting student growth in a structured environment.
“We are incredibly grateful to be one of the recipients of this State Summer Learning Grant funding,” Sweeney said. “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 selected for Literacy Quest and the Transition Academy are expected to be contacted directly, as participation in those programs will be limited to invited students based on need and available space.
The expanded summer programming reflects a broader statewide effort to address learning disruptions and ensure students remain academically engaged outside the traditional school calendar. For Grants Pass School District 7, the additional funding provides a pathway to deepen local programming while aligning with statewide education priorities focused on literacy, access, and long-term student success.