In a bid to address low literacy rates among underserved youth, the New York Community Trust has granted $150,000 to the Literacy Academy Collective, a non-profit focused on enhancing reading instruction for struggling students. The funds will enable the establishment of the Central Brooklyn Literacy Academy, set to open in September 2025. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in literacy success in city schools, where only half of third to eighth graders achieved proficiency in state reading tests last year.
Shawn Morehead, from the New York Community Trust, emphasized the need for evidence-based reading instruction to improve student outcomes. The collective’s approach includes teacher training and data analysis to create a vocabulary-rich environment for students.
The program will be measured through standardized assessments, statewide tests, and indicators like high school readiness. Additionally, a model classroom at P.S. 191 in Brooklyn will enroll 32 students to test teacher training tools before the school’s official opening. By focusing on research-based reading instruction and community support, the collective hopes to empower the next generation and close the literacy gap.
The initiative was started by parents who recognized the need for change in the education system, highlighting the impact individuals can have in fostering positive change within their communities. As the Literacy Academy Collective continues to grow and expand, it seeks to revolutionize reading instruction and improve outcomes for all students, irrespective of background.
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