Supporting Children’s Literacy in the USA: Programs, Charities, and Resources. Millions of kids in the USA struggle to read. Learn why literacy matters, the challenges, and five organizations helping children build brighter futures.
Reading as the foundation for opportunity
Being able to read is more than a school skill. It is the foundation for lifelong learning, employment, and civic participation. In the United States, millions of children struggle with reading proficiency. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only about one third of fourth graders read at or above a proficient level. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened gaps, with many students falling further behind.
When children cannot read well by third grade, they are more likely to drop out of school, face unemployment, and experience poverty as adults. By contrast, children who become confident readers gain critical thinking skills, imagination, and the tools they need to thrive. Supporting children’s literacy is not just an education issue—it is an economic, social, and moral imperative.
Why children’s literacy matters
Academic success
Reading proficiency by third grade is one of the strongest predictors of high school graduation. Early literacy ensures children can access all other subjects, from science to history.
Breaking cycles of poverty
Low literacy is strongly linked to poverty. Children who read at grade level are far more likely to pursue higher education and stable careers.
Equity and inclusion
Students from low-income families, English language learners, and children of color often face systemic barriers to literacy. Supporting literacy helps close equity gaps and build a fairer society.
Health and wellbeing
Literacy affects health. Parents with low literacy are less likely to understand medical instructions, and children with low literacy face greater risks of poor health outcomes.
Civic participation
Strong literacy builds informed citizens who can engage with their communities, understand policies, and advocate for their rights.
Challenges to children’s literacy in the USA
- Economic inequality: Low-income families often lack access to books, technology, and after-school programs.
- School funding gaps: Schools in underserved communities may not have adequate libraries, trained reading specialists, or small class sizes.
- Learning differences: Dyslexia and other learning challenges require specialized instruction that many schools cannot provide.
- Language barriers: English language learners may not receive enough bilingual support to succeed.
- Digital divide: While technology can boost literacy, many families still lack internet access or digital devices at home.
Solutions that make a difference
Access to books
Providing free or affordable books ensures children can practice reading outside of school. Book ownership is strongly linked to literacy outcomes.
Reading aloud
Programs that encourage parents and caregivers to read aloud to children build vocabulary, comprehension, and bonding.
Teacher training
Investing in reading specialists and professional development equips educators to identify challenges early and provide targeted help.
Early intervention
Programs targeting preschoolers and early elementary students have the greatest impact. Early literacy sets the foundation for lifelong learning.
Community engagement
Libraries, nonprofits, and volunteers play a critical role in supporting literacy through tutoring, reading clubs, and storytelling events.
Five organizations making a difference
1. Reading Is Fundamental (RIF)
RIF is the nation’s largest nonprofit focused on children’s literacy. Since 1966, it has distributed more than 430 million books to children in need. RIF runs programs in schools, libraries, and community centers, ensuring children everywhere have access to high-quality reading materials.
Supporting RIF means putting books directly into the hands of children who need them most.
2. Reach Out and Read
Reach Out and Read integrates literacy into pediatric care. Doctors and nurses give books to children at well visits and encourage parents to read aloud daily. With a presence in all 50 states, Reach Out and Read reaches more than 4 million children annually.
Your donation helps expand this innovative program that connects health and literacy.
3. First Book
First Book provides books, educational resources, and basic needs items to children in low-income families. Through a network of educators and community leaders, First Book has distributed more than 225 million books and resources since 1992.
Supporting First Book helps close the resource gap for children in underserved schools and communities.
4. Literacy Network
Based in Wisconsin, Literacy Network supports families through English language classes, literacy tutoring, and workforce readiness programs. Their work highlights the importance of family literacy, ensuring parents gain the skills to support their children’s learning.
Your gift strengthens programs that connect family and child literacy for long-term success.
5. ProLiteracy
ProLiteracy is the world’s largest organization supporting adult literacy. By helping parents and caregivers improve their own literacy, ProLiteracy ensures children grow up in households where reading is valued and practiced. Their work creates intergenerational change.
Supporting ProLiteracy means breaking cycles of low literacy across families.
Success stories that inspire
- In Texas, a Reach Out and Read clinic saw dramatic improvements in vocabulary among toddlers whose parents participated in the program.
- First Book distributed books to families during the pandemic, keeping children engaged in learning despite school closures.
- Literacy Network students who improved their English literacy reported being able to help their children with homework for the first time.
- A family supported by ProLiteracy programs transitioned from struggling with paperwork to confidently navigating school systems and advocating for their child.
Policy solutions that matter
- Increase federal and state funding for early literacy programs.
- Expand universal pre-K access with strong literacy components.
- Support bilingual education and resources for English language learners.
- Fund specialized training for teachers to address dyslexia and learning differences.
- Invest in libraries, both physical and digital, to serve as community literacy hubs.
What you can do today
- Donate to one of the organizations listed above.
- Volunteer as a reading tutor or mentor in your local community.
- Read aloud to your children, grandchildren, or neighbors.
- Organize a book drive to benefit schools or shelters.
- Advocate for stronger literacy funding in schools and libraries.
Key resources
- Reading Is Fundamental: https://www.rif.org/
- Reach Out and Read: https://reachoutandread.org/
- First Book: https://firstbook.org/
- Literacy Network: https://litnetwork.org/
- ProLiteracy: https://proliteracy.org/
Building brighter futures through literacy
Every child deserves the chance to read, learn, and succeed. Literacy is the foundation of opportunity, yet too many children in the USA are left behind. By supporting organizations like RIF, Reach Out and Read, First Book, Literacy Network, and ProLiteracy, you can help transform lives through the simple but powerful act of reading.
When a child learns to read, they gain more than a skill. They gain a future.
