The Office of the Governor of the State of Oregon
07/14/2026 | Press release | Archived content
7/14/2026: PPS Summer Learning Remarks
PPS Summer Learning Remarks
July 14, 2026
Thank you so much to Portland Public Schools and team here at Faubion for welcoming us today and for the leadership you're showing in summer learning. It was great to be joined by state and local leaders who are focused on the success of Oregon's students.
Summer learning programs like this one are a critical piece of the progress we're working toward together. Oregon's graduation rates have been restored to pre-pandemic levels - and that didn't happen by accident. It happened because of sustained investment, strong partnerships, and programs like this one that make sure kids don't lose ground over the summer.
That's why I've supported continued investment in summer learning programs. We have invested $70 million in summer learning for the 2025 and 2026 summers - serving just under 30,000 students in 2025 and expecting to grow that number to 35,000 this summer.
The high-quality literacy, math, and STEM education happening in schools like Faubion and others throughout our state is engaging kids who most need support and gives students a foundation to succeed when the next school year begins.
When the Oregon Department of Education surveyed students about their experiences last summer, students told us that when summer programs prioritize belonging, respect, and support, they are more likely to participate fully and report meaningful benefits. Students expressed feeling progress and more confidence in their reading. They also described feeling safe, respected, and seen by the adults in their programs.
We know just how important that is for kids. Maintaining those connections and that sense of belonging between school years can change outcomes - not just educational outcomes, but life outcomes.
It was great to see our collective commitment in action here today.
To the educators stretching every dollar as far as it can go to deliver what students deserve - thank you. We know the budget environment is hard. We know you are working hard to give students a quality education. You're rising to the challenge and delivering for students who are working hard to succeed. Thank you.
The Office of the Governor of the State of Oregon published this content on July 14, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 17, 2026 at 18:38 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]