DONATE NOW

The Challenge

Reading proficiency by third grade is a crucial predictor of high school graduation and career success

Reading proficiency by third grade is a crucial predictor of high school graduation and career success; yet, only 70% of Sarasota County’s third graders are reading at grade-level. Nationally, about 67% percent of children, more than 80% from vulnerable families, are not proficient readers by the end of third grade.

Left unchecked, these challenges undermine efforts to end intergenerational poverty, close the achievement gap, and reduce high school dropout rates across our communities.

The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading arose as a call to action to reverse these trends and mobilize communities at the federal, state, and local levels to expand opportunities and remove barriers that impact a child’s ability to succeed academically. The Campaign recognizes that effective collaboration among individuals, nonprofits, government agencies, and local foundations is critical for achieving and sustaining gains in grade-level reading proficiency.

Reading proficiency by third grade is a crucial predictor of high school graduation and career success; yet, only 70% of Sarasota County’s third graders are reading at grade-level. Nationally, about 67% percent of children, more than 80% from vulnerable families, are not proficient readers by the end of third grade.

Left unchecked, these challenges undermine efforts to end intergenerational poverty, close the achievement gap, and reduce high school dropout rates across our communities.

The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading arose as a call to action to reverse these trends and mobilize communities at the federal, state, and local levels to expand opportunities and remove barriers that impact a child’s ability to succeed academically. The Campaign recognizes that effective collaboration among individuals, nonprofits, government agencies, and local foundations is critical for achieving and sustaining gains in grade-level reading proficiency.

Reading proficiency by third grade is a crucial predictor of high school graduation and career success

×

Sample Popup

Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis

Our Role in the Solution

In 2014, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County prepared the Community Solutions Action Plan for Sarasota and was accepted into the national Campaign for Grade-Level Reading.

Our work incorporates a two-generation approach, working with both low-income children and their parents simultaneously to ensure families have the necessary support to be successful. We focus on the attendance zones for four Title 1 schools with students who are the most challenged by achieving reading success—Alta Vista Elementary School, Emma E. Booker Elementary School, Gocio Elementary School, and Tuttle Elementary School – with a concentrated effort to combat summer learning loss.

Summer Learning Academies

Discover how Summer Learning Academies help not only prevent summer learning loss, but also close the achievement gap.

Learn More

Summer Learning Academies

Discover how Summer Learning Academies help not only prevent summer learning loss, but also close the achievement gap.

Learn More

Posts List Carousel

Gallery

2 Column

3 Column

4 Column

6 Column

Giving Challenge Campaign Communication Planning

Strong campaigns start with strong communications. This practical session will help your organization craft clear, compelling messages to use before, during, and after the Giving Challenge. Learn how to create a streamlined communications plan, tailor your messages for different audiences, and maximize your reach across social media, email, and other channels. You will also receive practical templates and a timeline to keep outreach focused and on track.

Learn More

Countdown to Impact

As the Giving Challenge approaches, it is time to put your plan into action. This hands-on session will guide participants through creating a detailed “run of show” for the big day, testing planned activities, and spotting potential gaps. You’ll also explore strategies to begin stewardship planning early—so your organization is ready to thank, engage, and retain donors long after the 24 hours have ended.

Learn More