NEWALLIANCE FOUNDATION INC

Ready for the grade - newalliance foundation established ready for the grade, a partnership with public libraries in the foundation's service area to reduce the loss in reading ability low-income children grades k-3 experience during the summer. In 2024, 6 libraries participated in the program, serving 119 students. All but one student maintained or improved reading levels over the course of the summer. Staff of the libraries convene twice a year to report the status of the program and share successes and challenges. An independent evaluator collects data, measures impact, observes each program in operation, and publishes a written report to document findings. Newalliance foundation staff also visit each site. The intention is for students to enter school in september ready to learn, solid in their retained reading skills, and with the same literacy advantages as their non-low-income peers.