Through its “Connect – Read – Grow One Child at a Time” initiative, FAAP’s primary objective is to help struggling second grade students learn to read and support the efforts of teachers where there are student populations at high risk for reading failure. Statistics show that students not reading at grade level by the end of third grade face a 74% likelihood that they’ll never catch up.
Through its contribution, the Dunham Fund helps 40 students at both McCleery and Hall elementary schools, with plans to expand to Hill. Included is an additional program at McCleery to help refugee students overcome language barriers. All reading mentor programs are provided at no cost to the families and schools, utilizing local libraries and community volunteers, in addition to hiring 15 local high school and college mentors. Literacy is one of the best predictors of a child’s success, and this program makes a huge difference in helping students become engaged and capable readers.