Building a beautiful tomorrow one child at a time!

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Logo for RISE to READ featuring an open book with a stylized person jumping out of it and the text RISE to READ underneath.

Eradicating childhood illiteracy giving children a future and a hope

Rise To Read exists to equip children in Bridgeport with the reading skills they need to thrive academically and socially, to support families as partners in literacy development, and to build a stronger community by breaking cycles of illiteracy that limit opportunity.

A female teacher reading a book to a group of young students seated on the floor in a library

“Voracious readers of today are the brilliant leaders of tomorrow!”

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“Voracious readers of today are the brilliant leaders of tomorrow!” —

How we meet our challenges.

A grassroots work was started in local parks and neighborhood churches throughout Bridgeport to help children learn how to read!

We recognize the challenges facing early literacy in our community—and we meet them with commitment, creativity, and collaboration.

By working directly with children and families, partnering with educators and community leaders, and adapting our programs to meet real needs, Rise To Read creates meaningful, lasting impact. We focus on building strong foundations through consistent reading support, trusted relationships, and accessible learning environments.

Through volunteer engagement, community-based programs, and ongoing evaluation, we continue to grow, improve, and reach more children each year—ensuring that challenges become opportunities for progress.

HISTORY

Did you know?

  • A woman with braided hair and a colorful headband is smiling and raising her arm, surrounded by three children outdoors in a neighborhood on a cloudy day.

    Over 75% of the children attending Bridgeport public schools were unable to pass a third grade reading literacy test

  • Child painting a sunset over water on an easel at outdoor art event.

    Unchecked childhood literacy is one of the leading predictors of future incarceration, leading to what has become known as the “school-to-prison” pipeline

  • A diverse group of five young people sitting on a blanket in a park, reading books and smiling, with a city skyline and a bridge in the background.

    Over 60% of Bridgeport Public School graduates are functionally illiterate

A boy sitting cross-legged outdoors on a brown tarp, reading a colorful book.

Ready to take the next step?

Literacy changes lives—and you can be part of that change.

Whether you volunteer your time, support our programs, or help spread the word, your involvement directly empowers children in Bridgeport to build strong reading skills and brighter futures.

Ways You Can Help

  • Volunteer: Support children through reading, mentoring, and program assistance

  • Donate: Help fund books, literacy programs, and community outreach

  • Partner: Collaborate with us to expand access to early literacy

  • Advocate: Share our mission and help raise awareness

Every action, big or small, helps a child discover the power of reading.

Take Action

“Strong readers build strong futures.Literacy is where possibility begins.”

— Quote Source

Logo with a blue stylized figure jumping out of an open book, with the text 'RISE to READ' in colorful letters below.

Voracious readers of today are the brilliant leaders of tomorrow!

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