Empowering Through Literacy & Education
We provide free educational resources, literacy programs, and learning support to underserved communities worldwide. Join us in creating a world where everyone has access to the transformative power of education and literacy.
We address educational disparities through comprehensive programs that build literacy skills, support educators, and create access to learning resources for all ages.
We deliver early reading programs that foster literacy development from the earliest ages. Our initiatives include parent workshops, reading readiness kits, and preschool literacy support.
Through storytimes, phonics activities, and age-appropriate books, we help children develop foundational reading skills that set them up for academic success.
Learn MoreWe provide adult literacy programs that help individuals improve reading skills for personal growth, employment, and supporting their children's education. Our family literacy programs engage parents and children together.
From basic reading instruction to digital literacy, we support adults at every educational level on their learning journey.
Explore Adult ProgramsWe bridge the digital divide by providing tablets, e-readers, and free eBooks to communities with limited access to technology. Our digital literacy programs teach essential skills for navigating online educational resources.
Our digital library contains over 50,000 free eBooks in multiple languages, accessible from anywhere in the world.
Access Free eBooksLearn about our core purpose, values, and the future we're working to create through literacy and education.
The Read to Rise Foundation exists to eliminate educational disparities by providing comprehensive literacy support, free learning materials, and educational resources to underserved communities worldwide. We believe that literacy is a fundamental human right and the cornerstone of personal development, social progress, and opportunity.
Founded on the principle that every individual deserves access to quality education regardless of their background, we work tirelessly to create sustainable learning ecosystems. Our approach combines direct educational programs with systemic support to address both immediate learning needs and long-term structural barriers to education.
Our work is grounded in evidence-based practices and collaborative partnerships. We recognize that educational challenges manifest differently across communities, which is why we tailor our programs to meet specific local needs while maintaining our core commitment to educational excellence. From early childhood reading initiatives to adult education programs, we support learners at every stage of their educational journey.
We envision a world where every individual has the literacy skills and educational opportunities needed to reach their full potential, participate fully in society, and contribute to their community's wellbeing. A world where reading is not a privilege but a universal right, and where educational systems equitably serve all learners regardless of background or circumstance.
In this future, no child grows up without access to books, no adult is limited by literacy barriers, and every community has the resources to support lifelong learning. We believe that educated communities are healthier, more resilient, with greater civic engagement and stronger social cohesion.
We prioritize resources for the most marginalized communities, recognizing that systemic barriers create unequal access to education. Our programs are designed to be culturally responsive, linguistically appropriate, and accessible to learners with diverse abilities and backgrounds.
We maintain the highest standards in our educational materials, program delivery, and impact measurement. We continuously evaluate and improve our approaches based on evidence and best practices in literacy education.
We believe sustainable change requires collective action. We work in partnership with local communities, educational institutions, governments, and other organizations to maximize our impact and ensure cultural relevance.
We embrace new technologies and methodologies that can enhance literacy education while respecting traditional knowledge and cultural practices. We adapt our approaches based on local contexts and emerging educational needs.
We maintain open communication about our work, educational outcomes, and resource allocation. We are accountable to the communities we serve, our supporters, and our partners, ensuring that resources are used effectively and ethically to advance education.
Our work is guided by a comprehensive approach to literacy development that addresses multiple dimensions:
We measure our success not only by the number of resources distributed or students served, but by the lasting impact on communities. When literacy rates improve, we see corresponding increases in educational attainment, critical thinking skills, civic participation, and overall quality of life. Our mission extends beyond teaching people to read; we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Whether you're an educator, volunteer, supporter, or advocate, there are many ways to contribute to our work. Together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of reading and the power of education.
Support Educational AccessDiscover our comprehensive range of programs designed to address literacy challenges at every level and in every community.
Our youth literacy initiatives provide children and adolescents with the reading skills, materials, and support needed for academic success and lifelong learning. We offer programs for all age groups, from early childhood through high school.
For children ages 0-5, focusing on emergent literacy skills through interactive storytimes, parent workshops, and age-appropriate book distributions. Includes "Born to Read" kits for newborns.
Impact: Children in our program show 40% higher school readiness compared to peers without intervention.
Learn About Early LiteracyAfter-school tutoring, summer reading programs, and classroom book collections for students in grades K-5. Focuses on phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Format: In-person tutoring, small group instruction, and take-home reading kits
Explore Elementary ProgramsFor adolescents ages 13-18, focusing on advanced reading comprehension, critical analysis, and educational readiness. Includes book clubs, writing workshops, and educational preparation.
Participants: 85% of high school seniors in our program pursue further education
Support Teen ReadersWe believe that developing strong reading skills in childhood creates a foundation for all future learning. Our approach combines evidence-based instruction with engaging, culturally relevant materials that reflect children's diverse experiences. We emphasize reading for pleasure as well as skill development, recognizing that motivated readers become lifelong learners.
All our youth programs are designed to be developmentally appropriate, responsive to individual learning needs, and supportive of the whole child. We work closely with schools, families, and communities to create comprehensive literacy ecosystems that support children's growth from infancy through adolescence.
We provide adults with opportunities to improve their literacy skills for personal growth, educational advancement, and supporting their children's education. Our programs recognize the unique challenges and motivations of adult learners.
For adults reading below a 6th-grade level, focusing on foundational literacy skills, basic numeracy, and digital literacy. Classes are offered at flexible times to accommodate various schedules.
Impact: 75% of participants advance at least one grade level in reading within 6 months
Learn About ABEEngages parents and children together in literacy activities, teaching parents how to support their children's reading development while improving their own skills.
Format: Weekly family literacy nights, home visiting programs, and intergenerational reading circles
Explore Family ProgramsProvides English language instruction for non-native speakers, focusing on practical communication skills, vocabulary development, and cultural understanding.
Participants: Show 30% improvement in language proficiency and community integration
Support Language LearningWe recognize that adult learners bring rich life experiences and specific goals to their education. Our programs are learner-centered, contextualized to real-life situations, and respectful of adult learners' time and responsibilities. We emphasize practical applications of literacy skills in daily life, educational, and community contexts.
All our adult programs are offered free of charge and include childcare during classes when needed. We provide flexible scheduling options, including evening and weekend classes, online learning components, and self-paced study materials to accommodate adult learners' complex lives.
We empower educators with training, resources, and support to enhance literacy instruction in classrooms and communities worldwide.
Comprehensive professional development for educators focusing on evidence-based literacy instruction, assessment strategies, and differentiated teaching approaches.
Impact: Educators report 40% improvement in student reading outcomes after training
Learn About TrainingProvides educators with ready-to-use literacy materials, lesson plans, and teaching aids tailored to different grade levels and learning needs.
Includes: Phonics materials, leveled readers, comprehension activities, and assessment tools
Access Teaching ResourcesCreates professional learning communities where educators can share best practices, access mentorship, and collaborate on literacy initiatives.
Participants: 5,000+ educators connected through our network
Join Educator NetworkAccess our collection of free eBooks for all ages, available in multiple languages and formats. Download or read online from anywhere in the world.
Colorful picture books with read-aloud audio options. Perfect for early readers and bedtime stories.
Browse CollectionEngaging novels for teens covering diverse genres and topics. Includes discussion guides and educational activities.
Explore YA BooksEducational materials, life skills guides, and practical reading materials for adult education and skill development.
Access ResourcesBooks available in Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, and 15 other languages to support diverse communities.
Browse LanguagesNo registration required • 100% free • Available worldwide
Download our comprehensive collection of educational resources, lesson plans, and learning tools for students, educators, and families.
Hundreds of printable worksheets for phonics, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing practice for all grade levels.
Download WorksheetsInstructional videos covering reading strategies, writing skills, grammar lessons, and literary analysis for different age groups.
Watch VideosInteractive games, puzzles, and hands-on activities that make learning to read fun and engaging for children of all ages.
Play Learning GamesThese flagship programs represent our most impactful work in building literacy skills and creating access to educational resources worldwide.
Getting books and educational materials into the hands of learners who need them most
This comprehensive program addresses book deserts—areas with limited access to books—through multiple distribution channels including school book fairs, community book giveaways, and Little Free Library installations.
Impact: Children with access to our books read 3 times more frequently and show 25% higher reading proficiency scores.
Support Book DistributionTraining and deploying literacy tutors to support learners in underserved communities worldwide
This initiative recruits, trains, and supports volunteer literacy tutors who provide one-on-one and small group reading instruction in schools, community centers, and homes.
Impact: Students receiving tutoring show 1.5 years of reading growth in a single academic year.
Become a Literacy TutorAccess our library of literacy education materials, teaching tools, and reading guides to support learning at home, in schools, and in communities.
Download our research-based literacy lesson plans, teaching strategies, and classroom activities for educators and tutors. Aligned with educational standards.
Download Teaching MaterialsComprehensive reading guides, discussion questions, and curated book lists for all ages and reading levels. Includes diverse and inclusive literature.
Access Reading GuidesMaterials to help families support children's literacy development at home, including reading tips, activity ideas, and age-appropriate book recommendations.
Get Family ResourcesMeasurable outcomes demonstrating our commitment to creating tangible improvements in literacy and education worldwide.
Books & educational resources distributed
Children and adults supported in literacy programs
Community libraries and learning spaces established
Educators trained in literacy instruction
Beyond these numbers, our true impact is measured in personal transformations: the child who reads their first book independently, the parent who helps their child with homework for the first time, the adult who writes their first letter, the community that establishes its first library. We've witnessed reading levels improve by multiple grade levels, confidence grow with each new word mastered, and communities become more connected through shared learning experiences.
Our longitudinal studies show that participants in our programs experience significant improvements in reading proficiency, school attendance, and educational aspirations. Communities with our programs show greater engagement with libraries and educational institutions, increased parental involvement in children's education, and stronger social networks built around literacy activities.
Read Success StoriesLearn about our history, educational approach, team, and the principles that guide our work in promoting literacy worldwide.
The Read to Rise Foundation was founded in 2010 by a group of educators, librarians, and community activists who recognized the profound impact of limited access to books and educational support in underserved communities. What began as a local book drive serving three neighborhoods has grown into an international organization operating in 75 countries and impacting millions of learners.
Our founding team brought together diverse expertise from the fields of education, library science, community development, and educational policy. This multidisciplinary approach continues to define our organizational culture and methodology. We believe that effective literacy initiatives require understanding not just pedagogical techniques, but also the social, cultural, and systemic factors that influence educational access and outcomes.
Over the past 13 years, we've developed and refined our core programs through continuous learning and adaptation. Our early focus on book distribution expanded to include literacy tutoring when we recognized that access alone wasn't enough—learners also needed support to develop reading skills. Our digital literacy initiatives emerged in response to the growing importance of technology in education and the digital divide that excludes many communities from online learning resources.
Each new program has been developed in response to identified educational needs rather than preconceived solutions. We listen to the communities we serve, conduct needs assessments, and pilot programs before scaling successful approaches. This responsive development process ensures that our work remains relevant, effective, and culturally appropriate.
The heart of our organization is our team of dedicated educational professionals and volunteers. We employ specialists in curriculum development, educational technology, community organizing, and program evaluation. Our field staff includes former teachers, librarians, and community educators who bring deep understanding of the contexts in which they work.
We invest heavily in ongoing professional development for our team, ensuring they remain at the forefront of literacy research and educational innovation. All staff members participate in regular training on culturally responsive practices, inclusive education strategies, and evidence-based teaching methodologies.
Volunteers are essential to our educational work, contributing over 500,000 hours annually to support our programs. Our volunteers include:
All volunteers undergo appropriate screening and receive training specific to their educational roles. We strive to create meaningful volunteer experiences that make a tangible difference while providing personal fulfillment and skill development in the field of education.
Since our founding, we have distributed over 5 million books and educational resources, established 1,500+ community libraries and learning spaces, trained 15,000+ educators, and directly supported the literacy development of approximately 300,000 children and adults. Beyond these numbers, we take pride in the individual stories of educational transformation and the systemic changes we've helped catalyze in educational access and practice.
View Our Full Impact ReportYour privacy is important to us. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information in our educational work.
Last Updated: November 15, 2023
The Read to Rise Foundation ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, participate in our educational programs, or access our learning resources.
We may collect information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:
This information may include:
When you visit our educational website, we may automatically collect certain information to improve our services:
This information helps us understand how visitors use our educational website, improve our online learning resources, and make our content more accessible and useful for educational purposes.
We use the information we collect to:
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share information in the following educational circumstances:
We implement appropriate security measures to protect educational information:
While we implement strong security measures, no system is 100% secure. We encourage you to take steps to protect your educational information and use secure methods when accessing our learning resources.
You have rights regarding your educational information:
To exercise these rights, please contact our Educational Privacy Officer using the information below.
We are committed to protecting children's privacy in educational contexts. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. Our youth programs require parental consent for participants under 18. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13 without appropriate educational consent, please contact us immediately.
For children participating in our educational programs, we collect only the minimum information necessary for program participation and safety. We never use children's information for purposes unrelated to their educational development.
If you have questions about our educational privacy practices
We are committed to working with you to resolve any concerns about educational privacy and our collection or use of information for learning purposes.
Back to TopHear directly from learners, educators, and communities whose lives have been changed through literacy and educational access.
Join us in creating a world where everyone has access to the transformative power of literacy and education.
Share your time and skills as a literacy tutor, event helper, or program assistant. Make a direct impact in your community.
Volunteer OpportunitiesContribute new or gently used books, educational materials, or learning resources to support our distribution programs.
Learn How to DonateHelp us reach more communities by sharing our free resources, programs, and educational mission with others.
Share Our ResourcesWe collaborate with schools, libraries, community organizations, and educational institutions to expand our reach and impact. If your organization shares our commitment to literacy and education, we'd love to explore partnership opportunities.
Explore Partnerships