The BARS Summer Reading Program was created to address one of the most urgent challenges facing American children today: reading proficiency.

Reading is the foundation of academic success. Children who read well are more likely to succeed in every subject, graduate from high school, attend college, secure meaningful careers, and become lifelong learners. Children who struggle with reading often struggle throughout their educational journey.

Unfortunately, America is facing a literacy crisis.

According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 30% of eighth-grade students performed at or above the Proficient level in reading. Reading scores remain below pre-pandemic levels and continue to raise concerns among educators nationwide.

Building Readers. Building Leaders.

The challenge is even greater for African American students. According to the 2024 NAEP, only 16% of Black fourth-grade students and 13% of Black eighth-grade students performed at or above the Proficient level in reading.

These statistics represent more than numbers. They represent children whose opportunities are limited because they have not been given the literacy foundation necessary to reach their full potential.

The National Black Parents Association believes this trend must be reversed.

Why Reading Matters

Reading is not simply another school subject.

Reading is the gateway to:

• Academic achievement

• Critical thinking

• College readiness

• Career opportunities

• Financial stability

• Civic participation

• Leadership development

A child who learns to read gains access to knowledge. A child who loves to read gains access to a lifetime of opportunity.

That is why literacy remains one of the most important investments parents can make in their children’s future.

What Is BARS?

BARS stands for Building Academic Readers for Success.

The BARS Summer Reading Program encourages students to read throughout the summer while developing a lifelong appreciation for books, learning, and academic excellence.

The program seeks to:

• Promote literacy and reading comprehension

• Prevent summer learning loss

• Encourage positive educational habits

• Introduce students to engaging and culturally relevant books

• Strengthen family involvement in reading

• Build confidence and academic success

• Inspire a love of learning

Our mission is simple:

Build stronger readers. Build stronger students. Build stronger futures.

How The Program Works

Students select books appropriate for their age and reading level and commit to reading throughout the summer.

Parents are encouraged to actively participate by:

• Reading with their children

• Discussing books together

• Monitoring reading progress

• Celebrating reading milestones

• Encouraging consistent reading habits

The program emphasizes growth, consistency, and enjoyment rather than competition.

Whether a child is already an avid reader or needs additional encouragement, BARS provides an opportunity to strengthen literacy skills and build confidence.

Who Can Participate?

The BARS Summer Reading Program is open to students from elementary school through high school.

Students of all reading levels are welcome.

The program is designed to encourage children and families to make reading a daily habit and to create a culture of literacy within homes and communities.

Why Parents Matter

Research consistently shows that parental involvement is one of the strongest predictors of academic success.

Schools play an important role in education, but parents remain a child’s first and most influential teachers.

When parents read with their children, discuss books, and encourage learning at home, students perform better academically and develop stronger literacy skills.

BARS is designed to support and strengthen that partnership between parents and children.

Open Enrollment

June 1–7, 2026

Enrollment for the 2026 BARS Summer Reading Program is open from June 1 through June 7, 2026.

Participation is free.

Parents are encouraged to register early and begin preparing their children for a summer of reading, learning, and growth.

Join The Movement

Improving literacy is not solely the responsibility of schools.

Parents, churches, community organizations, educators, businesses, and civic leaders all have a role to play.

Together, we can help more children develop the reading skills they need to thrive academically and succeed in life.

Join us this summer as we build readers and build leaders.

Register Today

Open Enrollment: June 1–7, 2026

Visit JoinNBPA.org for more information.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The BARS Summer Reading Program is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming educational environment for all participants.

The National Black Parents Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

While BARS was created in response to the documented literacy challenges facing many African American students, participation in the program is open to all children and families who support the educational mission of the program.

The National Black Parents Association believes every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader, a successful student, and a lifelong learner.