Emergency Appeal: Help Us Save Summer for Louisville's Youth
Our students need us now more than ever!
This summer, I Would Rather Be Reading planned to expand our high-impact, high-interest summer camps across Louisville in partnership with JCPS, Louisville Parks and Recreation, local nonprofits, and businesses. These camps are uniquely designed to offer academic support, trauma-informed literacy intervention, and enrichment experiences that foster creativity, resilience, and joy in learning.
But due to sweeping changes in federal education funding—specifically major cuts to the Department of Education’s out-of-school time and summer learning grants —our summer programming is at risk of being canceled.
For years, IWRBR’s summer camps have served as a bridge—extending the reach of the classroom and offering both academic intervention and social-emotional development. We’ve been an answer to what students often lack during the summer: structure, enrichment, and opportunities to stay on track.
Now, without immediate community support, we may have to cancel some or all of our planned summer programs—programs that JCPS and community partners were depending on to support literacy and behavior goals district-wide.
How You Can Help
Donate and/or Spread the word!! If you or your company are not able to financially contribute, share this initiative with your network. Your connection may be the one to save summer for our kids.
Every dollar donated will go directly toward:
- Staffing qualified reading tutors and SEL mentors
- Specialized curriculum, enrichment materials, and meals
- Creating safe, engaging camp environments in multiple neighborhoods
- Providing quality enrichment and field trip opportunities
With your support, we can ensure that hundreds of Louisville children get the summer they deserve—one filled with learning, laughter, and opportunity.