Read Better Be Better's mission is to connect young readers and youth leaders to inspire a love of literacy and leadership.
Read Better Be Better is a nonprofit organization based in Phoenix, Arizona, founded in 2014 as a response to the state’s literacy crisis. Our mission is to connect young readers and youth leaders to inspire a love of literacy and leadership. This begins by addressing the challenge that many 3rd graders in Arizona face, with a significant portion reading below grade level. This gap in reading proficiency often hinders their ability to transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” by 4th grade, impacting their academic progress and future opportunities. We believe that literacy is foundational to success in education and life, making our work vital in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to excel.
Initially starting as an afterschool reading comprehension and leadership program pairing 3rd grade readers with middle school leaders, we have expanded our reach. Today, we serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade with our comprehensive reading program. We have added two more programs over the years to further the high school students leadership skills: the Pathways to Education Professions Program, providing high schoolers with paid internship opportunities to work alongside RBBB staff during afterschool literacy sessions, and the Pathways to Civic Leadership Program, guiding high school students through a curriculum focused on leadership development and community engagement. Our programs not only improve reading skills but also inspire students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities, addressing broader social issues and creating a brighter future for all.
Changemaker Continuum
At Read Better Be Better, our Changemaker Continuum inspires students at every stage of their educational journey, fostering literacy, leadership, and community engagement.
- Readers: Our readers range from kindergarten through 3rd grade and represent the beginning part of our continuum. These young students work to develop foundational literacy skills that set the stage for lifelong learning.
- Leaders: Students in 4th through 8th grade build upon their leadership skills by helping our readers find a love of literacy. These middle school leaders play a crucial role in guiding and inspiring younger students.
- Pathway to Education Professions: High school students participating in our internship program assist Program Coaches in the afterschool reading program. This experience provides valuable insights into the education profession and hands-on teaching practice.
- Pathway to Civic Leadership: High school students aiming to enhance their leadership skills find ways to make a meaningful difference in the community through our Pathway to Civic Leadership program. This initiative encourages civic engagement and social responsibility among young leaders.
