Books & Beyond 2026 - Read Ahead

Read Ahead's Books & Beyond Gala

We hope you will celebrate with us!

Read Ahead’s annual gala raises critical funds to serve the students in our program, and recognizes and celebrates the community of supporters who help make our vision a reality.

On April 29, more than 300 Read Ahead supporters will gather at Guastavino's for an incredible evening.

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Every child deserves a great story. Let's help them write it.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY OF SUPPORTERS WHO HELP MAKE READ AHEAD POSSIBLE

Read Ahead is dedicated to helping New York City youth strengthen the literacy and social-emotional skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Since 1991, Read Ahead has connected public elementary school students with caring mentors from leading corporate and community partners. During weekly sessions, mentors and mentees read together, discuss books and their lives, and engage in fun and educational games and activities. Read Ahead sessions are designed to help children grow their confidence, love of reading, literacy skills, and other skills essential for success.

Throughout our 30+ year history, more than 20,000 New York City children have become confident, joyful readers with the support of their Read Ahead mentor.

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Our 2026 Honoree: AEA Investors

Read Ahead is proud to honor AEA Investors at this year's gala, and celebrate our partnership to make a positive impact in New York City schools.

AEA Investors and Read Ahead first joined forces over a shared belief in the power of reading-based mentorship for NYC elementary school students. Throughout the partnership, which began in 2005, nearly 300 mentor/mentee pairs have spent an hour per week reading, talking and building integral literacy skills to help foster academic and lifelong success. AEA Investors’ longstanding commitment provides the resources needed to ensure Read Ahead can serve 625 students annually through our high-quality, high touch-point programming.

2026 Authorship Award

Presented to the Team from P.S. 111 ADOLPH S. OCHS

Read Ahead's Authorship Award is presented annually to inspiring individuals who are writing a better story for New York City children, families, schools, and communities.

Read Ahead has been working with P.S. 111 since 1997, and we are delighted to present this year's Authorship Award to Clara Harvey, Assistant Principal, and Gloria Jean-Bernal, Parent Coordinator.