AUGUSTA, Ga. – With summer break on the horizon, local leaders are taking major strides to combat the seasonal drop in reading levels among students across Georgia, thanks to a major grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

While many children are planning vacations and time away from school, education advocates warn that the summer months often lead to a decline in reading skills—a phenomenon commonly referred to as the “summer slide.” Emanuel Sinclair Mitchell, Director of the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library, compared reading to exercise, emphasizing that consistency is key to improvement.

“Students during the summertime, their reading level starts to reduce,” Mitchell said. “Reading is like exercising—the more you exercise, the better you become.”

Recent statistics show that more than one-third of Georgia’s third graders are reading below grade level, a figure that has spurred community action across the state.

In response, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded a record-setting $13.2 million in grants to literacy programs across the 48 states where the company operates. Of that, $325,000 has been allocated to organizations in Georgia, with four programs in Augusta receiving a combined $26,000 to help bolster reading initiatives.

The local recipients include the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System, Oak Ministries, Pedagogics Educational Academy, Inc., and Goodwill of Middle Georgia. The grant will support a range of literacy initiatives, from youth-focused reading programs to English language learning.

Goodwill’s $10,000 portion will be directed to its English language learners program at Helms College. According to Maria Mallar, Developmental Education Manager, the program has seen rapid growth since its inception.

“This particular one will go to the English language learners program,” Mallar said. “That way we can expand the services, and move forward and offer more levels of English, and receive more people.”

Mitchell confirmed that the library’s share of the funds will go directly toward the 2025 Summer Reading Program, which is scheduled to launch on June 14. He said the program is designed to reignite children’s enthusiasm for reading through fun, engaging activities.

“What the kids are expected to experience is a magical moment in reading, and bringing back that fun and that zeal for reading,” he said.

City officials are also lending their support. Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson and commissioners are collaborating with the library on a “proclamation for summer reading,” which will be announced at the June 3rd commission meeting.

Mitchell and other local leaders hope these efforts will build momentum in the broader mission of literacy development, recognizing that reading is not only essential for academic success but for life itself.

“When people are literate, they can help better the community,” Mallar said. “They know how to read, they know what to read, they know how to put things together, help themselves and help the community.”

Mitchell added, “Prior to third grade, you’re not reading to learn, you’re learning to read. But when you hit third grade, you are reading to learn.”

With fresh funding, renewed partnerships, and a community-wide focus, Augusta is positioning itself to ensure that every child enters the next school year with stronger literacy skills—and a deeper love for reading.

Would you like this formatted for print, web, or both?