With the illiteracy rates in both California and Utah continuing to climb, The Literacy Project has expanded their programming with two additional Boys & Girls locations in California and two additional Boys & Girls Clubs in Utah. In Long Beach, California, The Literacy Project’s free 30-hour reading program is now available in the Eastman Clubhouse and the Westside Clubhouse, while in Salt Lake City, Utah, the program is now available in the Lied Clubhouse, and the Midvale Clubhouse. The parents of each youth are able to register their children for this program directly through their Boys & Girls location.
According to Ed Source, “In the most recent national assessments, California’s fourth-grade students’ scores were below 36 other states in reading proficiency. And, according to research from the Stanford Education Data Archive, California has one of the largest gaps in fourth-grade reading proficiency between low-income and non-low-income students in the nation.” Meanwhile, the World Population Review has shared that 36% of Utah students are below a fourth grade basic reading level.
“Time is off the essence to turn the tide of illiteracy. The Literacy Project helps create generational change that will allow youth to become thriving adults and empowered members of society. Together, we can set our country up for success by equipping the next generation with the foundational skills of reading and writing.” -Laura Rubin, Regional Director, The Literacy Project.
About The Literacy Project:
Dedicated to eradicating illiteracy and empowering underserved youth, The Literacy Project was founded in 2009. The Literacy Project provides a free reading program for underserved children in low-income families who are performing far below reading proficiency and are destined to become functionality illiterate. Proudly, the nonprofit has taught over 11,000 children to read and gain the self-confidence and love of learning .The Literacy Project has secured over $5.5 million in funding which has enabled the nonprofit to serve students in need and their schools at no cost. The organization’s 30-hour program significantly improves children’s reading abilities, with average skill improvements ranging from 76% to 129%. Additionally, The Literacy Project has donated $2 million worth of reading games to 51,750 family members, promoting literacy within families.