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, thousands of New York City children have become confident, joyful readers with the support of their Read Ahead mentor.

Read Ahead is proud to celebrate Bloomberg as our 30th anniversary honoree, and to recognize the incredible dedication of Bloomberg volunteers.

Bloomberg and Read Ahead have partnered since 1998 to make a positive difference in New York City public schools. With 80 – 100+ Bloomberg employees volunteering their time with Read Ahead annually, over 2,000 children have become stronger and more enthusiastic readers thanks to the support of their Bloomberg mentors. A majority of Bloomberg mentors volunteer with Read Ahead for multiple years, forming caring relationships with their mentees and deepening their impact.