Research consistently shows that students in under-resourced communities lose two to three months of reading progress over the summer — a gap that compounds year over year and widens educational inequality.
Acts of Kindness FoundationFoundation-administered program
Summer Literacy & Youth Support
Books, reading programs, and learning support to keep students growing through the summer months.
Program status
Payment links publish here once approved. This page is the public record for readiness, verification, and next support steps.
Acts of Kindness FoundationFoundation-administered program
Acts of Kindness FoundationFoundation-administered program
InitiativeSeasonal initiative
Summer Literacy & Youth Support
Books, reading programs, and learning support to keep students growing through the summer months.
Foundation-administered support with verification standards and privacy-aware reporting.
Part ofEducation & Youth Access
Summer should be a season for growth, not regression.
Every summer, students in the Inland Empire lose ground. Research documents that children without access to books and structured reading during the break can fall two to three months behind their peers — a gap that compounds each year. For families who can’t afford summer camps, enrichment programs, or even a shelf of books at home, the summer slide isn’t abstract — it’s measurable. The Summer Literacy & Youth Support initiative works with libraries, school districts, and community partners to put books in students’ hands and keep learning alive through the months when classrooms are closed.
About this program
Summer Literacy & Youth Support is a seasonal initiative under the Foundation’s Education & Youth Access pillar. Each summer, the Foundation works to prevent summer learning loss by funding book distributions, supporting partner-led reading programs, and coordinating educational enrichment activities through libraries, schools, and community organizations across Riverside County. All books and materials are purchased directly by the Foundation from approved vendors. Program support is delivered through verified partner agreements — no cash is distributed to families. The initiative is designed to keep students reading and learning during the months when classroom instruction pauses and learning gaps are most likely to form. Assistance is not guaranteed and is subject to program capacity, partner availability, and verified community need.
Our approach
How this program delivers
Summer Literacy & Youth Support funds partner-led reading programs, book distributions, and educational enrichment through libraries, schools, and community organizations — keeping students engaged when classrooms close.
Every book distributed and every program funded is documented and reported. The Foundation maintains full accountability for how literacy resources reach students through our transparency page.
Who this program serves
- Students at risk of summer reading regression — particularly those in Title I schools and under-resourced communities across the Inland Empire
- Children without access to books at home due to household financial constraints or limited community library access
- Families unable to afford summer enrichment programs, camps, or structured learning activities
- Schools with documented summer learning gaps seeking partner support to maintain student reading levels
What support looks like
- Age-appropriate book kits — curated by reading level and distributed through school and library partners
- Summer reading program support through library partners — including program funding, incentive materials, and coordination
- Educational activity packs for at-home learning — reading journals, comprehension activities, and family literacy guides
- Learning mentor coordination through community partners — connecting students with volunteer reading mentors and tutoring support
How we verify need
- School district learning data identifying students and communities at greatest risk of summer reading regression
- Library partner program agreements establishing eligibility, distribution logistics, and reporting requirements
- Literacy organization referrals within Riverside County’s education services network
- Distribution and participation documentation — book counts, program enrollment, reading progress tracking, and partner compliance
How funds are delivered
Acts of Kindness Foundation administers all funds and resources for the Summer Literacy & Youth Support initiative with full discretion over allocation, purchasing, and program funding. The Foundation purchases all books and materials directly from approved vendors and funds partner-led reading programs through verified agreements. No cash is distributed to individuals or families. Assistance is subject to program capacity, partner availability, and verified community need — this initiative does not constitute an entitlement or guarantee of service. All vendor purchases, program funding records, and partner compliance documentation are maintained and reported through the Foundation’s transparency page.
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This program is supported with Foundation oversight
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Have questions?
What supporters ask
When does this program operate?
Summer Literacy & Youth Support runs from June through August each year, aligned with the school summer break. Planning and partner coordination begin in the spring to ensure books and programs are ready when classrooms close.
What age range does this initiative serve?
The program serves students from early elementary through middle school, with book selections and activities tailored to grade level and reading ability. Specific age ranges may vary by partner program and community need.
How are books selected?
Books are curated by reading level and age appropriateness in coordination with school and library partners. The Foundation prioritizes diverse, engaging titles that reflect the communities we serve and align with partner literacy goals.
Does this program coordinate with schools?
Yes. The Foundation works directly with school district partners to identify students at greatest risk of summer learning loss and to coordinate book distributions and reading program referrals before the school year ends.
Is assistance guaranteed?
No. This is a charitable initiative, not an entitlement program. Assistance is based on verified community need, partner capacity, and available resources. The Foundation exercises full discretion over all allocation and program funding decisions.
Program family Together with other work under Education & Youth Access.
Active in your community
Where this program is making a difference
Moreno Valley, CAMoreno Valley Education & Youth AccessSupplies, literacy, and learning support for Moreno Valley students.Learn more →
Riverside, CARiverside Education & Youth AccessSupplies, books, and learning support for students across Riverside Unified.Learn more →
Perris, CAPerris Education & Youth AccessLearning support for students across Val Verde Unified and Perris Union High School District.Learn more →
Initiatives under this program
Seasonal and specialized work
Seasonal initiativeBack-to-School BoostBackpacks, supplies, and confidence — so every student starts the school year ready to learn.Learn more →
Specialized programStudent Tuition Assistance FundOpening educational doors through verified tuition support — paid directly to institutions, never to individuals.Learn more →
Looking for help?
If you or someone you know is facing a need that Summer Literacy & Youth Support addresses, our team can walk you through the intake process. Every request is reviewed with care.
Charitable disclosure
Acts of Kindness Foundation is a California public benefit foundation (nonprofit public benefit corporation). This program is administered as charitable assistance. Program and campaign descriptions communicate mission intent and public context, not donor-directed control over distributions. The Foundation retains full discretion over the use and distribution of funds, which may support charitable assistance, program delivery, verification, reporting, and related operations.
Acts of Kindness Foundation administers all funds and resources for the Summer Literacy & Youth Support initiative with full discretion over allocation, purchasing, and program funding. The Foundation purchases all books and materials directly from approved vendors and funds partner-led reading programs through verified agreements. No cash is distributed to individuals or families. Assistance is subject to program capacity, partner availability, and verified community need — this initiative does not constitute an entitlement or guarantee of service. All vendor purchases, program funding records, and partner compliance documentation are maintained and reported through the Foundation’s transparency page.
All gifts on this site are made to Acts of Kindness Foundation and remain subject to the Foundation's exclusive control and discretion.
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