Program success stories
Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) works closely with educators, families, literacy advocates, and corporate and foundation partners to ensure that more children in underserved communities experience the joy of reading—the pathway to becoming a skilled reader. Hear from people on the frontlines of the literacy crisis as they describe how our programs and partnerships are changing lives.
Three early childhood education sites in Kennebec County, Maine pilot RIF’s play-based literacy program to support its youngest readers.
RIF’s research-backed Read for Success Early Childhood program offers Maine area educators, in partnership with the Bingham Trust Foundation, with “train the trainer” model professional development, empowering them to leverage this program to use play-based materials and approaches to support their emerging readers.
My thinking has changed in the way that I am more conscious of the literary pieces within our classroom. I have caught myself on a few occasions already this past week making connections to our read-alouds during other (seemingly) unrelated activities as well as brainstorming ways to create other connections and extensions. I've also been making it a point to provide the children with more opportunities to join me in creating and instructing in our literacy activities and the way they light up has been so noticeable when they are given the chance to showcase their abilities to their peers and to help others learn and engage. It is a very heartwarming thing to watch unfold.
- Read for Success Early Childhood training recipient Taylor Fletcher, Educare Central Maine
Alfred Zampella Elementary School in Jersey City, NJ brings their book celebration event to life with an author read-aloud through the partnership between RIF and KIA
All 373 Kindergarteners and first graders at Alfred Zampella Elementary School (PS 27) in Jersey City, NJ got to experience a personal author read-aloud when Amulya Veldanda Vadali read her book, Cosmo Faces the Forest of Fear as part of a Books for Ownership book celebration event. Special activities enabled students to select three books to take home and own, while also sparking their creativity as they embarked on their own writing journeys by crafting their very own books.
Thank you so much! The children had a great time. They were running around the courtyard today at recess pretending to play with Cosmo. The older students loved their books too!
- Kathleen Renz, Reading Specialist, Alfred Zampella Elementary School, Jersey City, NJ
4,500 students in Gulfport, MS access e-books through RIF's digital library, Skybrary providing book access anytime, anywhere.
All Prek-K to third grade students at eight elementary schools in Gulfport, MS have access to more than 1,000 e-books on Skybrary through Congressionally Funded Community Projects funded through the Department of Education.
One of our kinder teachers told me yesterday that a student who "never reads" has read 10 books at home since he received his Skybrary account. Thank you for all that you do!
- Trish Stoll, RIF District Liaison, Gulfport Public Schools, Gulfport, MS
Join the RIF literacy movement
Partner with RIF to disrupt the literacy crisis and support the children in communities where your employees and customers live and work. Together, we can bring the joy of reading to every child, everywhere. Here are just a few organizations we’re proud to call our partners.
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Donate to RIF to ensure that every child has access to books they need to experience the joy of reading, the path to becoming a skilled reader and uncovering opportunities.
