Statistics
- Children who have not developed basic literacy skills by the time they enter school are 3 to 4 times more likely to drop out in later years.1
- 60% of American’s prison inmates are illiterate and 85% of all juvenile offenders have reading problems.¹
- Approximately 50% of the nations unemployed youth age 16-21 are functional illiterate.²
- More than 3 out of 4 of those on welfare, 85% of unwed mothers, and 68% of those arrested are illiterate.³
- About 3 in 5 of American prison inmates are illiterate.³
- US Department of Education
- US Department of Health and Human Services
- Washington Literacy Council
Reading Bonanza in the Park
Purpose
- To combat illiteracy, lower reading levels, and lack of interest in reading among the youth in low income neighborhoods
- Showcase the diversity of books and promote the joy of reading
Target Audience
- Pre-K through 12th grade students, parents, teachers, mentors, community leaders, child care providers
Description
- A free fun family literacy event, open to the public, held at a local park, involving reading activities, games, giveaways, raffles & entertainment
- Exposing families to different books, community resources, and reading for entertainment, education, empowerment
