FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF)- Read Fort Worth is competing in a national competition to improve literacy at high need elementary schools. The Community Thrives (USA TODAY) fundraiser is to raise $100,000 or more to implement elementary literacy strategies and introduce STEM programs and four Fort Worth ISD elementary campus libraries (Sunrise, Moss, and Westen Hills Primary and Elementary) . All funds will go directly to purchase resources as part of the District’s 100X25 initiative to have 100% of third-graders reading on grade level by 2025. “We were looking at providing iPads and other electronic books as another means for children to have access,” said Read Fort Worth Director Anel Mercado. “What’s exciting to us is to seeing these resources used for instructions and bringing student’s skill set up to improve literacy and Science and Math skills,” she said.
The fundraiser will run through Friday, April 12, 2019 at noon. The more funds that are raised the more they can receive, plus weekly bonuses. At the end of the fundraising period, an additional 16 grants totaling will be awarded, including $100,000 for three organizations. “We want to be one of those three,” Mercado said.
“We are excited that our collective impact efforts continue to grow and that we are looking to take advantage of available resources everywhere,” said Superintendent Dr. Kent Scribner. “We are so pleased to support Read Fort Worth as they support 100X25FWTX,” he said.
Third-grade literacy can determine success in all subjects for years to come, including math and science. Until third grade, children are learning to read. After that, they are reading to learn.
“Access to books is key for kids, which is why we feel it’s important to us to play a role in ensuring campus libraries have what they need to provide literacy resources to students,” Mercado said. “As a community, we have the power to make a difference in the lives of our children. Let’s do this Fort Worth,” she said.
For more information and to make a donation visit https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/read-fort-worth-texas
