State Summer Learning Grant

State Summer Learning Grant Overview

Summer learning is a proven, evidence-based strategy for accelerating academic growth, increasing content retention, and closing opportunity gaps. Decades of research consistently show that high-quality summer learning programs improve academic achievement, strengthen student engagement, and support social-emotional well-being. These programs also foster meaningful relationships between students and caring adults, offer hands-on and project-based learning experiences, and help sustain a love of learning outside of the traditional school year.

Building on the momentum of the 2024 State Summer Learning Grant, House Bill 2007 (2025) established ongoing funding of the State Summer Learning Grant. HB 2007 also infuses the state’s priority area of literacy into summer programming by requiring programs to focus on improving reading proficiency and academic outcomes, especially for students reading below grade level. Enrichment activities remain a critical aspect of the program when intentionally paired with literacy supports to improve student learning outcomes.

For questions regarding the State Summer Learning Grant, please email the Summer Learning Team at ODE.SummerLearning@ode.oregon.gov.

2026 State Summer Learning Grant Competition

The State Summer Learning Grant is transitioning from a formula grant to a *competitive, multi-year grant beginning in 2026 to more closely align with the intent and structure of HB 2007 (2025). A competitive grant process ensures that all eligible entities have a clear and equitable pathway to apply, while allowing the direction of limited state resources to the programs that demonstrate the strongest plans for high-quality, evidence-based summer learning aligned to local needs. Multi-year grant awards (providing funding for summers 2026, 2027, and 2028) provide predictable funding to support staffing, partnerships, and long-term planning.

*The competitive grant process is specifically for school districts, education service districts (ESDs), and charter schools. A separate grant process has been established for Tribal Nations, as described in the Tribal Nation Grant Application section below.

The official Request for Applications (RFA) will be released as soon as possible. 2026 Grant awards will provide funding for summers 2026, 2027, and 2028 and are anticipated to be announced the week of March 16-20, 2026.

Application Process Overview

1. All eligible entities will be awarded Priority Points based on English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency rates and additional data points designed to priortize high-need entities. The Priority Point calculations will be relased with the RFA to inform eligible entities from the beginning of the application process.
2. All school districts, ESDs, and charter schools are eligible to submit an application. As part of the application, applicants will submit a program budget to request an annual grant amount (up to $1 million) aligned with the proposed programming and projected students served.
3. Applications will be scored by a peer review panel based on program quality, use of research-aligned practices, response to local needs, and likeliness of realizing grant goals.
4. Each applicant's Review Panel Score will be added to their Priority Points to determine the Final Application Score used to award funds. Award amounts may be right-sized to the proposed program capacity and impact.

2026 Summer Learning Tribal Nation Grant Application

The following documents and resources are for Tribal Nation applicants only.

Tribal Grant Application Forms

• Tribal Grant Application Instructions
• Tribal Grant Application Part 1: Program Overview
• Tribal Grant Application Part 2: Program Schedules
• Tribal Grant Application Part 3: Program Budget

Tribal Grant Application Assistance

• Thursday, Jan 22, 4 pm
  Tribal Grant Application Overview Webinar
  • Purpose: Provide an in-depth walkthrough of the Tribal Grant application documents and answer questions. This session will be recorded and shared.
  • Registration Link
• Tuesdays, Jan 27-Feb 17, 4 pm
  Tribal Grant Application Office Hours
  • Purpose: Optional space to ask questions and collaborate with ODE staff. These sessions will not be recorded.
  • Registration Link

Past Reports

House Bill 4082 (2024) Summer Learning Study

In 2024, House Bill 4082 (2024) established a statewide workgroup to explore sustainable long-term strategies for funding summer programming. The HB 4082 Final Study: Summer and Afterschool Programs for Student Success reflects input from education and community partners and provides a roadmap for sustainable, equitable expanded learning opportunities in Oregon. This work laid a strong foundation for integrating expanded learning into Oregon’s broader educational ecosystem.