The Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition Inc

Reach Out and Read:Partners with medical providers to bring early literacy into the pediatric examination room. The pediatricians and nurse practitioners advise the parents about the importance of reading with their children and give books to the families from the birth to five-year well-child checkups.- 50,184 books were distributed at well child checkups by 105 practitioners at 40 clinics.

The Glades Family Education Program:Provides comprehensive literacy training for adults and their preschool children in the rural western communities of Palm Beach County.The program served a total of 100 adults and 19 children.- 84.6% of adult students who were pre and post tested, made significant gains in one or more tested skills (reading, listening and speaking).- 100% of the preschool aged children from the program demonstrated improvement in their language, cognitive and early reading skills.472 books were distributed.

Building Better Readers:Recruits, trains and supports volunteers to provide tutoring in reading for children who are reading below grade level.- 418 first and second grade students in 32 elementary schools were tutored by 188 volunteer tutors. Almost all of the tutoring was conducted in person in classrooms during 2023-2024 school year.- 50 volunteers tutored 92 children in first through fourth grade after school, both virtually and in person at the Literacy Coalition.- Of the 510 students tutored in 2023-2024, 73% of them ended the year at least 50% closer to grade level than when they began the year and 25% actually ended the year on grade level reading.

Early Literacy Book Distribution:Provides children's books for families who participate in home-visiting and other early childhood programs.- 39,434 books were provided to 19 Healthy Beginning Programs through 11 partners.

Village Readers Family Education:Provides literacy instructions for adults and their elementary school-age children in the Delray Beach area.- 165 Adults and 43 children participated in the evening program.- 28 children received afternoon tutoring in reading and comprehension.- 76% of the children tutored made significant improvement in reading.- 82% of adults tested demonstrated significant gains in their English language skills.- 251 books were distributed.

Stories & STEM: Provides literature-based, activity-driven STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)lessons for children in after school programs and summer camps.- 8,823 books were distributed to children and afterschool sites.- 1,161 K-5 children were enriched by the program throughout Palm Beach County.- 185 interactive sessions were held at 23 sites.Read-Lead-Succeed!:Educates children in afterschool programs and summer camps through a literature based, social-emotional learning program; using high-quality children's literature, lessons encourage literacy through art and creativity with a focus on topics such as self-esteem, social-awareness and mindfulness/gratitude.- 16 sites participated in the program.- 175 sessions were provided.- 880 children received direct instruction.- 1,153 books were distributed to children and after-school sites.

Workplace and Community Education Program:Provides customized instruction for adults who need help improving their English language skills, obtaining a GED, or addressing specific workplace needs. Classes are tailored to the skill level of the students and to meet the needs of each business or organization. The learners develop literacy skills to prepare them for enhanced employment opportunities and/or future education.-110 adult students participated at 8 sites. -100% of students demonstrated skill development in their primary area of study. Other Programs & Initiatives: Includes smaller programs or literacy initiatives, such as Read for the Record, Adult Essay Contest, Mayors' Literacy Luncheon, Read Together, and the Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition Foundation.