Every Child Reads (ECR) is a research-based family engagement program that provides a crucial connection between parents and schools to support at-home literacy. The program funds and delivers thousands of books every year – both print and digital – to families in need, in addition to family workshops and multiple incentives for children to read.

Low reading rates across Arizona present a major obstacle for future economic success – both for families, and for the state. That is why for over 10 years, Stand for Children Arizona has provided parents with at-home resources and support to improve education for their child and all children in Arizona. Stand for Children Arizona partners with more than 20 schools and 2,000 parents to distribute over 6,000 books for families to keep. As the brick-and-mortar education system is evolving and forever changed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ECR program is expanding its impact to support children and families through these changes.

Stand for Children Arizona’s Executive Director, Rebecca Gau, commented on the importance of this partnership, “The ability to read is critical to a child’s success in school, life-long earning potential, and their ability to contribute to the nation’s economy.” She added, “We are so thankful to Thunderbirds Charities for supporting Every Child Reads, which implements proven solutions to ensure that every child gets the support to read on grade level.”

Every Child Reads is proving to be a tool that is bringing people together at a time of immense need, and Stand is eager to continue to reach thousands of families and bring even more services to those who need it most.

Every Child Reads – Stand for Children

This grant is part of the Fall 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.