Today, our own Bethel student Sofía Vasquez, had the incredible opportunity to join Gov. @govtinakotek at the Oregon State Capitol as she signed House Bill 2007 into law! HB 2007 is a summer learning bill that will allocate $35 million per year toward summer learning for Oregon students for the next three summers.

Sofía was one of 400 students who participated in Bethel’s Summer Reading Program last year, where nearly one in four students improved so much that they no longer need intensive literacy support!

Sofía can now read more than 100 words per minute!

The Bethel Summer Reading Program is proving that early intervention works. With continued summer support for K-3 students, more students will be on track to meet critical reading benchmarks by the end of 3rd grade, setting them up for lifelong success.

Thanks to Bethel’s strong foundation in summer learning, our district has been awarded more than $730,000 to support this year’s Summer Reading Program! With this legislative support, we can expand this proven program and ensure every child—regardless of background—has the opportunity to become a confident, proficient reader.

We’re so proud of Sofía and all of our students who are thriving thanks to this program. With HB 2007, sustainable funding for summer learning is now secured through 2027, ensuring even more success for Oregon students!