By Denise Gary
Photographs © Denise Gary
Kids Need to Read has been awarded $2,500 by Cardinals Charities 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. In a letter, Cardinals Charities said, “We are pleased to join you in this effort and applaud your dedication in meeting the needs of your community.”
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 at ASU Preparatory Academy indicated a marked improvement in literacy scores after the first year of Reading Revolution. 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.
Cardinals Charities “supports programs designed to improve the quality of life and enhance opportunities for children, women, and minorities in the state of Arizona” on behalf of the Arizona Cardinals and the National Football League. Kids Need to Read and Arizona State University sincerely thank Cardinals Charities 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
More Reading Revolution Program Information