We’re in the midst of a major literacy crisis in America. Nationwide, only 1 in 3 kids are reading at grade level by the end of third grade. There is nothing more essential to a child’s opportunities in life than the ability to read well, but in Oakland, 85% of Black and Latino/a elementary students are not reading at third grade reading levels. Children who do not read proficiently by third grade are 4x more likely to not receive a high school diploma than proficient readers.

Together with Oakland Unified School District and respected community organizations who have worked to improve these outcomes for years, we are aligned around a common vision to dramatically increase the rates of kindergarten readiness and third grade reading levels.