New Mexico launches 2025 summer reading program registration

Registration has started for New Mexico's 2025 summer reading program. This program is free and aims to support students from kindergarten through ninth grade. It is a partnership between various state education departments. The program will serve about 15,000 students with small-group instruction during June and July. Higher Education Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez emphasized the importance of this initiative for developing literacy skills. She encourages New Mexican families to register and enhance their children's reading abilities. This will be the second year the state offers this program. In 2024, nearly 10,000 students participated, focusing on structured literacy. This teaching method helps students learn essential reading skills more effectively. Public Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla highlighted that summer reading helps prevent learning loss. She noted that when students do not practice reading over the summer, they may struggle more when school starts. The 2025 Summer Reading Program aims to ensure that students return to school confident and ready to succeed.