The 2026 Governor’s Summer Learning Challenge


A partnership with the Governor’s Office and the CT State Library, the Governor’s Summer Learning Challenge (GSLC) creates tools, programs, and resources to spark excitement around reading and learning with CT youth. Through curated activities that highlight many of the diverse and enriching aspects of the state and the organizations that call CT home, the GSLC begins with catalyzing youth towards the lifelong journey of learning. 

The Learning Challenge 

To support the many ways that youth learn best, and with equity at the forefront, in the re-envisioned Governor’s Summer Learning Challenge, readers are challenged to complete one activity in each of four categories:  
  • Reading/Library 
  • Community 
  • Outdoors 
  • Connecticut 
Through these selected topics, participants have an opportunity to dive into the offerings from their local public library.  
Users will be exposed to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) concepts through suggested activities like:  
  • Plant a seed indoors or outdoors  
  • Write or draw about your ideal community  
  • Borrow a resource from a CT public library.  
Summer Learners will have an opportunity to expand their knowledge through activities like: 
  • Read a book from a summer reading list  
  • Visit a CT historic site or learn about one in a book  
  • Do a local citizen science project 
Included in the program are partner organizations who offer activities and opportunities to build reading comprehension skills and learn through activities and engagement to supporting all learning methods. 
Each learner who completes at least one activity from each of the four categories and sends in their challenge document, will receive the following: 
  • A collectable keychain tag that will be sent via the USPS!  

The Reading List

Embracing that every reader is different, this year’s GSLC reading list has been enhanced and expanded. The reading list is now broken down by grade and sorted by topic for the ease of options, discovery, and enjoyment by all. And the reading list is only a starting point for suggestions.
There are far more engaging books than could ever fit on a single list, and reading across lists, regardless of age, is welcomed and encouraged. In addition, local public libraries will be promoted as resources for those not able to find the right book for them on the reading list. 

CT State Library is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

© 2016 CT State Library. All rights reserved.

 

 

Best,

Kym

Kymberlee Powe | Children and YA Consultant | Kymberlee.Powe@ct.gov | Office: (860) 704-2221 | https://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/dld/children | 786 S. Main St. Middletown, CT 06457| Fax: (860) 704-2228

 Book time with Kymberlee Powe