Kids Read Now is partnering with 21st Century Community Learning Centers to support students during out-of-school time. This partnership combines proven reading resources with teacher training to help more children become confident readers.
A Research-Backed Approach
Our program delivers results. Independent research shows that students who participate in Kids Read Now gain up to three months of reading progress over a single summer. That means children can prevent summer learning loss and start the new school year ahead.
The program works because it targets three key groups: teachers, caregivers, and children. When all three work together, reading improves.
What Makes This Partnership Work
21st Century grant sites need programs that deliver measurable outcomes. Kids Read Now provides exactly that.
Teachers and tutors receive professional development focused on dialogic reading practices. This training helps them engage students in meaningful conversations about books. The result is deeper comprehension and stronger critical thinking skills.
Caregivers get tools to support reading at home. Each book includes a Discovery Sheet with questions that help parents engage with their child during reading time. Parents can select questions to discuss together with their child. There are no wrong answers, just quality time spent reading and talking.
Children receive books they actually want to read. They choose titles matched to their reading level from our book catalog. New books arrive at home every eight to ten days throughout the program.
Resources That Support the Whole Framework
The teacher-tutor-caregiver-child framework only works when everyone has the right tools.
Teachers access real-time reporting through the Kids Read Now portal. They can track which students are reading and adjust their instruction accordingly. Helpful resources are also available on the website.
Caregivers receive printed and digital parent guides in English and Spanish. Weekly automated calls and text messages provide reading tips and encouragement. The mobile app works in over 120 languages. Additional tips and resources are available in the resources section of our website.
Children get books delivered to their door. They can report their reading progress through text or the app. Students who complete the program earn prizes and certificates.
Proven to Close Achievement Gaps
Kids Read Now meets ESSA Tier 2 evidence standards. The program has been studied multiple times with replicated results.
Research shows that children from low-income families often lose two months of reading skills over summer break. Kids Read Now participants who read all their books gain three months of learning. That is enough to overcome summer slide and build momentum for the school year.
The program costs just 3% of what summer school costs per student. Districts can fund it with Title I or ESSER dollars. 21st Century grants can also support literacy programs that improve academic achievement during out-of-school time.
Getting Started Is Simple
Kids Read Now handles enrollment, book selection, shipping, and family engagement. Schools provide the student roster through a secure CSV upload. The rest runs automatically.
Students select their books online before the program begins. Books ship directly to homes. Families receive regular prompts to report reading progress. Staff can view dashboards showing participation rates and completion data.
The program requires minimal staff time. That makes it ideal for 21st Century sites that already manage multiple programs and tight budgets.
Available Year-Round
Many 21st Century programs operate beyond the summer months. Kids Read Now offers year-round options through the Book Bridge program.
Each six-week session delivers six student-selected books. Sites can renew as many times as needed to support continuous reading throughout the school year.
The summer program includes eight books plus additional family engagement features.
Join the Partnership
If your 21st Century grant site wants to improve reading outcomes with a proven, cost-effective program, contact Kids Read Now today.
Together, we can ensure that all children have access to books they love and the support they need to become strong readers.
