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.
Why This Matters
These summer camps aren’t just fun—they’re lifelines.
In a city where literacy scores and behavioral data are already sounding alarms, these camps have proven to be effective tools in reversing the summer slide, particularly for students from historically underserved neighborhoods. Our programs are trauma-responsive, literacy-focused, and grounded in social-emotional learning (SEL), a holistic approach that supports both the mind and heart of every child.
Our education partners at JCPS were not only excited about these camps—they were counting on them. Together, we’ve seen students' reading levels and confidence soar through our out-of-school programs, and this summer was meant to build on that momentum.
What Changed
In past years, JCPS federal education funding helped fuel these initiatives. This year, those dollars have disappeared, leaving us with a critical shortfall. Without immediate support, the summer programs that so many families depend on are in jeopardy.
Our Response - We’re not giving up!
We’re calling on our community—individual donors, corporate partners, and philanthropic supporters—to help us close the gap and bring these camps to life as planned.
How You Can Help
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:
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Staffing qualified reading tutors and SEL mentors
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Specialized curriculum, enrichment materials, and meals
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Creating safe, engaging camp environments in multiple neighborhoods
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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.
or Contact IWRBR founders to help us meet our funding goal and save summer for our students:
IWRBR Summer Camp Experience:
*Detailed budget for each camp available upon request.
If we can't raise enough funds for a two week camp, we will reduce to a one-week camp in an attempt to avoid cancelation of the camp.
Plan for Sustainability Moving Forward
IWRBR is proactively launching two innovative, mission-aligned revenue streams to ensure the long-term sustainability of our trauma-informed literacy and enrichment programs.