New Haven Reads

New Haven Reads, founded to “share the joy and power of reading,” increases the literacy skills of children to empower their academic success by providing individually tailored one-on-one tutoring, educational family support, and a community book bank, all at no cost to participants. We serve over 500 children weekly from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade from across the Greater New Haven area thanks to the dedicated support of over 400 trained tutors. 

In 2017, New Haven Reads celebrates its 15th birthday. In our short history we have distrbuted over 1.6 million gently used books back into our community and have served over 3,000 students in our free, one-on-one, literacy tutoring services.

A child’s ability to read is one of the best predictors of future success and is highly correlated with high school graduation rates, job prospects, income levels, and health outcomes. The goal of New Haven Reads is to equip students with the literacy tools and skills required to be successful in school and in life. We provide high quality, research-based programs, strong mentoring relationships between tutors and students, and family-focused strategies.

The need for our programs is significant. The result of the 2016 Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium test found that less than 30% on New Haven third graders met or exceeded the achievement standard in English Language Arts compared with 55% of students statewide. Many students face further challenges at home including poverty, health issues, and food and housing insecurity. 

The vast majority of our students come from low and very low income households. According to the Brookings Institute, income inequality in the Greater New Haven area is among the highest in the nation with 34% of children living in low income households.

Despite our ability to serve over 500 children weekly, we continually have a waiting list of over 100 students wanting to receive our literacy services. Help us share the joy and power of reading. Together we can make a singicant impact on the life of a young learner and interrupt the cycle of poverty!

If you're interested in volunteering at New Haven Reads please send an email to volunteer@newhavenreads.org