Welcome to Sparking Literacy
“We all are in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” Oscar Wilde
The Problem
There is a literacy crisis. One in four kids in America grows up without learning to read. While 53% of 4th graders say they read for pleasure, only 20% of 8th graders say the same. 25% of high school freshman can’t read the newspaper, let alone their textbooks. Yet, most literacy programs are aimed at younger children. These teens fall through the cracks.
The Impact
90% of high school dropouts are on welfare.
The link between low literacy and violence is well documented. 3 out of 5 people in prison can’t read.
50% of Americans read so poorly that they can’t perform simple tasks like reading prescription drug labels. Low literacy directly costs the healthcare industry over $70 million.
The Solution
Reading for pleasure improves literacy rates, prevents dropouts, and changes the future for that young person.
We are starting Sparking Literacy book clubs in schools, hosting author events, donating books, and developing audiobooks to help kids with learning disabilities learn to read. Join the movement.
