Our Schools and Students

Read Ahead serves approximately 1,000 public elementary school students each year from our partner schools in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Our school partnerships are the foundation of our program, and we are only able to achieve great impact with our students because of the support of teachers and administrators. We have partnered with most of our schools for over 20 years.

Eligibility

Students in grades 1-5 are recommended by partner school staff because they would benefit from one-on-one mentoring to support their personal and academic growth.

The opportunity to build on their reading skills, gain confidence in reading and speaking, learn to enjoy reading, and gain exposure to English (for those learning English as a new language) are some of the reasons why mentees enroll.

Read Ahead Provides

Our proven and effective program, at no cost to schools or families

All needed program resources including books, curriculum, and materials (online during remote learning and physical while in person)

Dedicated staff who facilitate sessions, manage program logistics, and support mentor-mentee success

Training and background checks for mentors

Schools provide

School staff to to support student/family outreach and success in the program

Strong support for Read Ahead and ongoing feedback to continue to improve our program

Physical space for mentoring sessions (when Read Ahead is not operating virtually), access to online learning environments, and other key logistical support