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grants

ABOUT read ahead

In 2003, the Board of Directors of the Central New York Community Foundation chose literacy as a fundamental issue of concern in our community. Recognizing that a literate population is the cornerstone of a thriving community they agreed that the Community Foundation should dedicate its resources to improving the local literacy picture. After an extensive research effort (see our Community Literacy Report) the Community Foundation defined the parameters of a multi-year grantmaking and public awareness initiative - read ahead.

THE read ahead VISION


Central New York embraces and realizes a vision of itself as a community that highly values literacy and is known across the country for its commitment. It features:

  • Outstanding early education that promotes successful learning from birth;
  • Highly literate children and engaged parents, families and caregivers;
  • World-class literacy programs and literacy providers;
  • A regional culture characterized by continuous learning and literacy skills development

THE read ahead GOALS

GOAL #1
Children as learners - parents and caregivers as teachers

Most of us acquire literacy skills before formal instruction in reading begins. read ahead supports efforts to improve the education and development of young children in Onondaga and Madison counties. Emphasis is on the creation of a coherent learning continuum for children from birth to kindergarten. At the same time the initiative promotes parental responsibility and the active involvement of parents, families and caregivers in the education of children.

To learn more about the read ahead grants that support this goal click here

GOAL #2
World-class literacy programs with a focus on family literacy

The initiative invests in innovative, high-impact organizations and coalitions that work to strengthen the community of people who provide literacy services in Onondaga and Madison counties. read ahead grants support the work of local literacy coalitions to strengthen and expand family literacy services and develop comprehensive literacy services that support both children and adults.

To learn more about the read ahead grants that support this goal click here

GOAL #3
Advancement of Central New York as the center of literacy

Some of the best known pioneers in the worldwide literacy movement call Central New York home. The read ahead initiative builds on our roots as the birthplace of the literacy movement. We seek to create a pervasive community awareness of the value of literacy. We see our potential to be a community that actively supports literacy efforts and gives our residents the ability to access literacy services with ease.



      


  A literacy initiative of the Central New York Community Foundation, Inc.
  Suite 428, 500 South Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13202-3302 info@readahead.com