Community Forum: Addressing Literacy in Berks Through the Ready.Set.READ! Initiative

United Way of Berks County Expands Literacy Initiative to Enhance Kindergarten Readiness and Reading Proficiency

The United Way of Berks County is reinforcing its commitment to literacy through the Ready.Set.READ! initiative, which aims to equip children with the necessary skills for success in kindergarten and ensure reading proficiency by the end of third grade. This initiative is particularly critical, as early literacy skills are foundational to a child’s ongoing academic journey.

At the heart of the Ready.Set.READ! program is a collaboration with the Reading School District. Together, they implement a phonetics-based curriculum known as the Read Alliance in nine elementary schools within the district. This innovative dual-impact program, modeled after New York’s successful Read Alliance framework, strategically enlists and trains high school students as tutors for first graders. In this role, the teens not only assist younger students in improving their reading capabilities but also gain invaluable work experience and leadership skills, all while receiving compensation for their efforts. This symbiotic relationship fosters academic improvement among elementary students, reflecting measurable reading progress, while simultaneously providing high school tutors with essential life skills.

The success of this program within the Reading School District has prompted the United Way to expand its reach, thus creating a broader impact for both local teens and the young learners they serve. Bridging the generational divide through education, this initiative not only enhances literacy rates but also cultivates a sense of community involvement among youth.

On August 21, 2025, the Berks County Community Foundation’s Senior Fellow, Dave Myers, facilitated a conversation with representatives from the United Way and volunteer tutors to emphasize the significance of their literacy efforts. The forum served as a platform for discussing the ongoing challenges and achievements within this vital initiative, drawing attention to the importance of community-driven efforts in fostering educational success.

It is worth noting that the views shared in this community forum do not necessarily represent those of the Community Foundation, but they highlight the urgent need for effective literacy programs in the region.

For further insights into the United Way of Berks County’s initiatives and community involvement, the Berks County Community Forums can be explored here.

As the United Way of Berks County continues to invest in the literacy development of its youth, the Ready.Set.READ! initiative stands as a pivotal program addressing educational inequities and equipping future generations with the tools necessary for academic and personal success.