By Denise Gary
Photographs © Denise Gary
Kids Need to Read has been granted $1,000 by National Home Library Foundation for use in the expansion of Reading Revolution, the groundbreaking literacy program for middle school students produced by Kids Need to Read in partnership with Arizona State University and ASU Preparatory Academy, an inner-city charter school serving impoverished children in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. This award is in addition to a $2,020 grant provided by National Home Library Foundation during the 2011-2012 school year when Reading Revolution was launched as a pilot program for the seventh and eighth grade students of ASU Preparatory Academy.
The 2012–2013 school year is the second year of development for the uniquely interactive three-year program that introduces disadvantaged middle school students to a highly engaging educational experience, while teaching them the impact of reading on every aspect of life. Standardized test scores indicated a marked improvement in literacy scores after the first year of Reading Revolution. New projects were developed for students who participated in the program last year at ASU Preparatory Academy, and sixth grade students were included for the first time. Junior high students at Canyon State Academy—a Queen Creek, Arizona residential school designed to educate and change the lives of troubled young men—were also introduced to the program this year.
National Home Library Foundation, located in Maryland, “funds books and other learning materials to encourage the development of reading skills and a love of learning for all ages.” The foundation has provided over $3,100,000 in assistance to various libraries, schools, and literacy programs.
Kids Need to Read and Arizona State University sincerely thank National Home Library Foundation for their assistance in funding Reading Revolution for the children of ASU Preparatory Academy, Canyon State Academy, and the many others who will be impacted by this program in the future.
Reading Revolution Program Partners
Arizona State University
ASU Preparatory Academy
Canyon State Academy
Reading Revolution Funding Partners
American Woodmark Foundation
Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation
Avnet Contributions Council
Cardinals Charities
Employees Community Fund of Boeing Arizona
Fry’s Fund
John F. Long Foundation
National Home Library Foundation
Otto & Edna Neely Foundation
Walmart Foundation
Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund
