Did you know that 98% of our nearly 400 teen tutors in 2024 reported that, because of their work experience as a READ USA tutor – which is most of our teen tutors’ first job – they learned or improved how to be responsible in the workplace?
READ USA teen tutors also reported significant growth in many other job skills and character traits due to working with READ USA, all of which – and so much more – is shared in our 2024 Impact Report.
In 2024, our organization’s multi-faceted programming reached thousands of elementary students, teenagers, teachers, and families across Duval County, facilitating a myriad of accomplishments and accolades:
- 1,000+ elementary students achieved or improved grade-level reading proficiency, many of whom were one or two years behind in proficiency.
- Nearly 100% of the teen tutors who participated in our inaugural Summer Leadership Academy chose their career path and mapped out the requirements for employment in their chosen field – a 29% increase due to their participation.
- 53,000+ students received two free books at our 2024 READ USA Book Fairs – and their 53,000+ parents/caregivers received free resource guides to improve literacy skills at home.
“We achieve significant outcomes with the teens and students we serve because we convene the right partners from all sectors of our community,” shared our President & CEO Dr. Rob Kelly and our Board Chair Ellen Wiss in their Impact Report message. “By investing today in the workforce of tomorrow and in the educational aptitude of every student, we are ultimately equipping citizens with freedom, financial independence, and the ability to lead our city and country prosperously into the future.”
The results are clear: together with our partners, we are doing what works!
From adding capacity to Duval County Public Schools to equipping teens to succeed in the workforce, no matter the career path they choose, 2024 was yet another incredible year for Team READ USA!
THANK YOU to our donors, funders, partners, and collaborators for joining alongside Team READ USA to make these incredible growth opportunities and community-building accomplishments possible!
Check out our 2024 Impact Report HERE. If you would like to receive a printed version, please email joe@readusainc.com.
Thank You, School Board Members, for Visiting READ USA Book Fairs!
Our 2025 READ USA Book Fairs continued in full swing last week, and we are grateful to Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) Board Members for taking the time to visit the Fairs and share their passion for books, literacy, and educational success during the past month!
Thank you to The Honorable Cindy Pearson and The Honorable Darryl Willie for their long-time support of READ USA Book Fairs! Every year, they visit multiple schools during Book Fair season – including several last week alone – and they always share such positive feedback with our team. We are grateful for your involvement and support!
Thank you also to The Honorable Reginald Blount who, as a newly elected DCPS School Board member, visited his first READ USA Book Fairs this year! Last week, Mr. Blount visited multiple schools in his district, speaking with students, teachers, and our fabulous volunteers. His visits have been a highlight for our team – and the teachers and students! Thank you, Mr. Blount, for your support and enthusiasm!
Thank you to all of our DCPS School Board members for your support of READ USA Book Fairs! The school district’s financial support and partnership is what makes the READ USA Book Fairs possible every year, and we are immensely grateful to be able to do this important work!
We also want to give a special shoutout to…
The employees of TD Bank for volunteering at Cedar Hills Elementary’s READ USA Book Fair last week! We are so appreciative when company teams come together to give back to our community in meaningful ways through so many deserving organizations – and so thankful when they choose to give their time to uplifting students’ education (and joy!) through READ USA Book Fairs!
Not only has Team TD Bank showed up in-person for READ USA, but for several years, we have also been grateful to receive financial support from TD Charitable Foundation. Our donors, sponsors, and public funders are vital to delivering READ USA programming, and we are thankful for TD Bank’s ongoing support!
THANK YOU, Team TD Bank!
While READ USA Book Fairs are winding down, there is still time to experience the fun! If you’d like to join us as a volunteer on May 8, 9, or 13, we’d love to have you!
Recent News about READ USA
READ USA is grateful to local news media for reporting on the recent AmeriCorps cuts that directly affect our mission and the proven impact we have on students, teens, teachers, and families across Duval County.
While we continue to urgently fundraise, we are immensely grateful to the private donors and public funders who have stepped in and stepped up to continue our momentum in building the workforce of tomorrow, providing economic opportunity, and solving illiteracy.
Read Saturday’s article from Jax Today:
Watch Monday’s newscast from News4Jax:
Thank you to Will Brown and the Jax Today team, and to Melanie Lawson and News4Jax, for sharing the news about the impact of the recent AmeriCorps funding cuts on literacy, education, and workforce development in our community!
All-sector support is crucial right now to help READ USA ensure the continuity of our mission and impact, now and in the future. Thank you to our donors, funders, advocates, volunteers, and friends for your support of READ USA and everyone we serve!
Get to Know: Kathi Hart, Book Fair Lead Volunteer
We will be saying these words for (hopefully!) forever: Our READ USA Book Fair Lead Volunteers are some of the most wonderful people we know!
“As a classroom teacher, and a parent, Book Fair time was always a highlight for me,” shared Kathi Hart, who has volunteered at READ USA Book Fairs for several years now. “When I started working with READ USA, I thought the whole mission aligned so much with me – they’re doing exactly what I believe in! All kids can get books of their own!”
Kathi has dedicated her career to the students of Duval County, and particularly to helping students improve their reading skills. She has held numerous roles inside and outside the classroom, including elementary school teacher, district-level literacy specialist, and multiple others, having completed numerous reading instruction certifications and post-graduate studies along the way to further her impact on students.
“The first time I volunteered, I felt the absolute joy of Book Fairs all over again – the smiles on kids’ faces, their excitement for getting new books. They immediately sit down, get in groups, and say ‘look at my books!’ I also enjoy working with the other volunteers. It makes me happy being with other adults who love doing what I love to do, which is helping children!”
For the past two years, Kathi has also worked as a Lead Content Specialist in READ USA’s Literacy Tutoring program, providing on-site support for teen tutors, teachers, and teacher coordinators at several DCPS elementary schools – including a couple where she has either worked as a teacher or as a READ USA Book Fair volunteer!
Thank you for all the time, skills, and wisdom that you invest in our community’s students, Kathi! We are grateful to have you on Team READ USA!
Children’s Book: Cinco de Mayo by Marissa Boan
Written and illustrated by Marisa Boan
Marisa Boan’s Cinco de Mayo offers a compelling look at the history, significance, and traditions surrounding the well-known Mexican holiday. Set against the backdrop of community celebrations, the story highlights themes of family, remembrance, and personal reflection.
In Cinco de Mayo, the main character, Miguel, reflects on the importance of the holiday within his family. As he participates in the day’s events, he experiences moments of introspection and growth, guided by the stories and traditions shared by those around him.
Boan uses the holiday both as a literal celebration and a symbolic anchor for the narrative, demonstrating how events like Cinco de Mayo can bring people together and spark meaningful reflection. Through Miguel and his family, readers see different viewpoints on how historical events are remembered and honored across generations.
A recurring theme in the novel is the balance between honoring tradition and adapting to the realities of modern life. Some characters embrace the holiday as a festive occasion, while others approach it as an opportunity to reflect on the values and lessons rooted in its history.
Cinco de Mayo is a thoughtful and engaging story that invites readers to consider the role of tradition and remembrance in shaping family experiences. With its blend of storytelling and historical context, Boan’s novel provides an accessible and meaningful reading experience for those interested in the significance behind commemorative holidays.
Submitted by Judy Howard, READ USA Michael Ward & Jennifer Glock Literacy Institute Senior Director
Parent Education Corner: Tips for Supporting Writing at Home
Tips for Supporting Writing at Home
Communication is critical to developing strong literacy skills. This series will outline some key strategies from the National Center for Education Evaluation (2020) to support elementary communication through practicing writing skills at home.
Help children use the writing process for a variety of purposes.
Writers need to think carefully about the purpose for writing, plan what to say, how to say it, and understand what the reader needs to know. Help your child use appropriate strategies during the writing process. You can help them figure out where they are in the writing process and choose a strategy to develop that stage.
Writing support by grade level:
- Plan by helping your child pick a topic to write about through brainstorming ideas (Grades K-6).
- Share: Provide opportunities for children to read their writing to family members at home (Grades K-6).
- Edit: Set aside time to review their writing for proper capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.
Submitted by Judy Howard, READ USA Michael Ward & Jennifer Glock Literacy Institute Senior Director
Do you have any questions or ideas for the Parent Education Corner? Anything you’d like to learn? Let us know here!