Rainwater Foundation awards $338,050 to expand summer literacy program

Camp Fort Worth youth will have greater access to literacy support this summer thanks to a $338,050 grant awarded to the Park & Recreation Department by the Rainwater Charitable Foundation. The funding will enhance literacy services at all 25 Camp Fort Worth locations, helping hundreds of children maintain and improve their reading skills during the summer months when students are most vulnerable to learning loss, often referred to as “summer slide.”

Since 2018, the Park & Recreation Department has partnered with the REV (Read, Excel, Verify) Partnership to integrate literacy initiatives into Camp Fort Worth, the department's eight-week summer day camp program serving youth ages 5 to 12. Literacy Support Specialists work alongside recreation staff to assess reading skills, incorporate literacy into daily activities and connect families with literacy resources. The program continues to demonstrate measurable success. In 2025, 957 campers participated in literacy assessments, and 98% maintained or improved their reading levels over the course of the summer.

“This investment allows us to build on a proven program that is helping Fort Worth children succeed,” said Monique Hill, assistant director of the Park & Recreation Department. “By expanding literacy support and providing additional resources to families, we are helping more young people stay engaged in learning while enjoying a fun and enriching summer camp experience.”

The grant will expand literacy services by increasing Literacy Support Specialist staffing and hours. It will also fund two Literacy Support Coordinators to strengthen partnerships, increase parent engagement and enhance program coordination. Additional funding will support literacy activity kits, laptops, iPads, headphones and incentives to encourage participation and celebrate young readers throughout the summer.

Established in 1991 by Fort Worth philanthropist Richard E. Rainwater, the Rainwater Charitable Foundation invests in initiatives that strengthen communities, expand access to quality education and help children and families thrive. The Foundation's support of Camp Fort Worth continues a shared commitment to improving literacy outcomes for local youth.

Camp Fort Worth operates at 21 community centers and four mobile recreation sites across the city, providing safe, engaging and educational summer programming. By expanding literacy support where children already gather during the summer, the Park & Recreation Department is helping ensure more campers return to school ready to learn, grow and succeed.

Photo: Camp Fort Worth operates at 21 community centers and four mobile recreation sites across the city, providing safe, engaging and educational summer programming.

Get articles like this in your inbox. Subscribe to City News.