Third grade proficiency rates reached nearly 32% in 2026 in Shelby County. That means that over half of our third graders are still not proficient in reading. We believe place-based learning can help change that percentage. Our mission is to engage early readers through place-based books, curriculum, and educational experiences. Our literacy programs highlight the rich history and culture of the local communities we serve, helping students make important text-to-self connections.

We will accomplish our mission by:

• Impacting the school system by providing high-quality curriculum items

• Creating a resource hub that centralizes all of the free local curriculum options available

• Creating early literacy initiatives that engage our earliest readers

• Creating educational experiences that help to promote literacy, creativity, and kindness

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