MONTGOMERY, AL – On the first official day of summer, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey officially launched her 3rd Annual Summer Reading Challenge and encouraged Alabama students to also take part in a national initiative led by Second Lady Usha Vance.
Open to rising K–8 students in public, private, and homeschool settings, the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge invites participants to write a letter to Governor Ivey describing their favorite summer reading book and explaining why it was their top choice. The challenge runs through September 5, 2025.
Governor Ivey highlighted the importance of continued learning during the break. “Our students have earned a well-deserved summer break, but that doesn’t mean the learning stops,” said Ivey. “Reading is one of the best ways to keep young minds sharp.”
Each letter must include the student’s name, the grade they will enter in the 2025–26 school year, and the name of their school. Letters should be mailed to:
Governor Kay Ivey
Attn: Governor Ivey’s Summer Reading Challenge
600 Dexter Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36130
Governor Ivey also recognized the nationwide effort led by Second Lady Usha Vance and encouraged Alabama students to participate in both reading challenges.
The Second Lady’s 2025 Summer Reading Challenge invites K–8 students across the U.S. to read 12 books by September 5 and complete a reading log. Those who fulfill the national challenge requirements may earn a certificate, prize, and a chance to win a trip to Washington, D.C.
Governor Ivey expressed support for the dual effort, stating, “The more we can do to keep our students reading, the better… I hope families across our state will take part in both our reading challenge here in Alabama and the national one led by our Second Lady.”
Both initiatives aim to encourage summer literacy and maintain academic engagement during the school break.
