Our mission is simple.  We inspire teens to read, write and follow their dreams.

25% of students entering 9th grade read at “below basic” levels, unable to understand newspapers, magazines and even their textbooks. 30% of 8th graders drop out before finishing high school and this number is 50% in some urban areas. Low literacy is the number one risk factor for dropping out of school.

Most resources for literacy are directed at younger kids to help them learn the basics of reading. Our goal is to reach middle and high school students that may have fallen though the cracks.

The impact of low literacy in the United States is staggering.  90% of high school dropouts are on welfare. Three out of five imprisoned Americans can’t read. Sparking Literacy intervenes with teens who are on this path to failure.

Sparking Literacy tackles these complicated structural issues by partnering with well established tutoring organizations that are already embedded within Title One schools. Since our founding we have partnered with City Year, Beyond Basics, New Horizons, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, The Immokalee Foundation, Kipp 1, and more. Outside of these partnerships we make a difference through our inspirational event programming, and outreach initiatives. Sparking Literacy holds speaking events with bestselling authors, donates books and works with teachers to integrate them into established curriculum, hosts book clubs, writing workshops, summer programs, and literacy festivals. All in the interest of helping at risk teens find their voice.  

Though our mission is simple, our programs change lives. Help us make a difference.