NYC Reads
Reading Changes Lives
Every New York City student deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader. Through NYC Reads, New York City Public Schools is transforming literacy instruction across nearly one million students - giving children the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive in school and beyond.
The Fund for NYC Public Schools brings together philanthropic partners to help expand this work across New York City's classrooms, schools, and communities.
Every story begins with reading!
Reading is the foundation for learning, confidence, and opportunity. When children become confident readers, they are better prepared to succeed in every subject, think critically, communicate effectively, and pursue the futures they imagine for themselves.
Too many students have historically lacked equitable access to high-quality literacy instruction.
NYC Reads is changing that.
Transforming Literacy Across New York City
Excellent Instruction in Every Classroom
Every child deserves engaging, high-quality instruction that builds confidence and a love of reading. NYC Reads equips educators with research-based curriculum, coaching, and professional learning so students experience strong literacy instruction every day.
Innovation & Scaled Impact
Transforming literacy for nearly one million students requires bold thinking and continuous learning. NYC Reads uses data, technology, and ongoing collaboration to strengthen instruction, measure progress, and expand what works across New York City.
Targeted Support for Every Learner
No two students learn the same way. NYC Reads helps schools identify where students need additional support and provides evidence-based interventions so every learner—including multilingual learners and students with disabilities—has the opportunity to grow as a reader.
Community Partnership & Engagement
Reading doesn't begin and end at school. Families, community organizations, and local partners all play an important role in helping children develop strong literacy skills. Together, we're building a citywide culture that supports every child on their reading journey.
A Thriving Literacy Ecosystem
NYC Reads is more than an instructional program - it is the foundation of a citywide literacy ecosystem that now includes public libraries, community‐based organizations, afterschool programs, family engagement structures, tutoring programs, and higher education institutions preparing the next generation of teachers.
The Opportunity
Rooted in the Science of Reading, NYC Reads is more than a curriculum rollout. It’s a systemwide investment in excellent instruction, responsive support, and lasting community engagement at a scale never seen before. NYC Reads is already building momentum — and delivering results for nearly one million students.
The foundation is in place. The momentum is real.
Literacy in Action
"I feel like I'm a better reader now. Before Phonics for Reading and REWARDS, I didn't know how to read tricky words... I'm more confident and not nervous anymore when I have to read out loud because in my REWARDS group, we read every day."
— Fourth grader (District 7)
“Educators are collaborating to strengthen literacy instruction across schools. Across District 8, educators consistently describe feeling supported, energized, and clear about expectations.”
— NYC Educator (District 8)
The success is a testament to the power of visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and a relentless focus on equity and coherence. The excitement and commitment from teachers, principals, and students is palpable—and the data backs it up.
— Superintendent Vaughn (District 11)
Building Momentum
These gains are not just numbers; they represent lives transformed in our classrooms.
21,000+ More
students are reading
confidently.
ambassadors helping
families foster literacy.
1,000+ Parent
22,000+ Teacher
coaching visits
supporting classrooms.
By 2035, Every NYC Public School Student Will Be a Thriving Reader.
Today, only one in three New York City students reads proficiently by fourth grade. That means millions of children have tremendous potential waiting to be unlocked.
When students become strong readers, they are more likely to:
Access learning across every subject, including math
Stay on track through middle and high school
Graduate prepared for future success
Build healthier, more stable futures
Imagine the Next Generation of Readers.
Every child deserves the opportunity to discover the joy, confidence, and possibility that reading brings. Together, we can help more students find their voice, strengthen their future, and unlock their full potential.
370K+
Students reached
and counting.
