John F Long Foundation has honored Kids Need to Read (KNTR) with a $1,500 grant award to be used toward the READ Together program. Funds dedicated to READ Together are used to implement the program in poorly funded schools located in low socioeconomic areas of the United States. KNTR chooses participating schools from applicants who demonstrate they are actively seeking methods and resources to assist in increasing low literacy levels among their student population. John F Long Foundation’s gift to KNTR will assist in funding the fulfillment of READ Together in ten Arizona schools, providing participating schools with the resources necessary to continue the program year after year. The program serves 70 classrooms in twenty schools nationwide.
Children who are routinely read to day in and day out—and immersed in rich talk about books and the various activities in which they are engaged—thrive. And those children with less exposure to books face tougher learning challenges in school and beyond. —Scholastic, Early Literacy
READ Together partners with schools and other literacy organizations to encourage adult caregivers to read every day with their children. The program utilizes a wealth of leveled books, educational resources, reading buddies, tips for caregivers on the go, and inspiration, all designed to increase at-home reading activities on a daily basis. Through a consistent, effective approach, young students will develop vital reading skills that will serve them throughout their educational years and beyond.
This is the fourth grant award Kids Need to Read has received from John F. Long Foundation, having previously been provided awards for Kids-N-Peace in 2014 and 2013, and for Reading Revolution in 2012. Founded by West Valley philanthropist John F. Long, a highly respected innovator of cost-saving, quality building techniques, John F. Long Foundation is a “non-profit, charitable, Private Foundation established in 1959 by the Long family to support local charities, schools, education events and general community needs.”
KNTR sincerely thanks John F Long Foundation for supporting READ Together and its foundational focus on increasing reading proficiency levels among kindergarten and first grade students for their future success. Kids Need to Read is honored to serve the children who will benefit from John F Long Foundation’s foresight and generosity.
More: READ Together Information and Family Reading Tips
READ Together Contributors
Book Review Service–KINDLEBOOKREVIEW
Cardinals Charities
Cox Charities
Eileen Duggan Memorial
Employees Community Fund of Boeing Arizona
Fiesta Bowl Charities
Travis Hanson, Author/Illustrator
Highlights for Children
John F Long Foundation
Kathy and Jerry Wood Foundation
Mesa Host Lions Club
Mesa United Way
Kim Oshiro, Author
