READ AND REWARD

Read and Reward is our summer reading support initiative for boys entering the fourth grade next academic school year.  Read and Reward celebrates progress and builds confidence through recognition and incentives.

We imagine a world where Black and Brown boys are excelling in reading and are flourishing academically, spiritually, socially and civically.

We envision connecting books, mentorship, and meaningful rewards to inspire a love of reading among our fourth-grade demographic—transforming how young learners engage with literacy and discover their potential.

What motivates this effort? According to The Nation's Report Card:

• In 2024, Black students had an average score that was 31 points lower than that for White students. This performance gap was not significantly different from that in 1998 (28 points).

• In 2024, Hispanic students had an average score that was 24 points lower than that for White students. This performance gap was not significantly different from that in 1998 (31 points).

​This is unacceptable! Thus, our holistic, or "integrated wellness", approach is designed to foster overall well-being and potential by mentoring fourth-grade Black and Brown boys as interconnected wholes, fusing their emotional, social, and academic selves and fomenting personal achievement. 

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