Home | The Children's Literacy Project exists to make generational impact by giving every child the priceless gift of reading.

who we are and what we do

Partnering with literacy organizations nationwide, we create compelling content to activate communities in the fight against childhood illiteracy. As a collaborative ally with the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, we serve a network of over 5,200 literacy organizations across 350 communities, working together to ensure every child becomes a proficient reader.

About CLP

the CRISIS

The Literacy Crisis Demands Action. Without immediate action, another generation will suffer the consequences of illiteracy. Today in the United States:

1 in 4 children grow up without learning how to read in the U.S..

National Literacy Institute

80% of low - income 4th graders never reach reading proficiency.

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

60% of young men entering prison can't read at a 3rd-grade level

US Department of Justice

Low literacy levels cost the U.S. economy up to $2.2 trillion per year.

National Literacy Institute

Fueling Literacy Impact

Our Solution

Become a Reading Mentor

Just one hour a week can transform a child's future. Whether you join an existing program or start a new initiative in your community, we provide the connections, training, and resources you need. Research shows that when caring adults spend time teaching kids to read, they develop not just literacy skills but confidence that lasts a lifetime.

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Join our Network of Literacy Organizations

From coast to coast, Americans are joining the fight against illiteracy. Each marker on this map represents someone who has stepped forward to make a difference in their community. Watch our impact grow as more volunteers join our nationwide literacy movement.

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activating communities through

Literacy Media

The movie post design of the Film SENTENCED. It is a sand timer, and the there is a child inside who is running out of time.

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Sentenced

SENTENCED is a forceful yet tender tale of how literacy can free children from the cycles of generational poverty.

The Book READ, one laying down and the over standing up on top of it. There is a Golf award.

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Read

READ is a clarion call to all people-of-compassion to “love your neighbor” through literacy

How to Build a Brain Illustration, which is screen grab from the youtube video

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Diverse Short Films

Our library provides intimate storytelling, whimsical education and cutting truth-telling about the illiteracy crisis

Map of the United States with drop-pins in all of the places where somebody is stepping forward to become a reading mentor or an organization has joined CLP's Literacy Database

From coast to coast, Americans are joining the fight against illiteracy. Each marker on this map represents someone who has stepped forward to make a difference in their community. Watch our impact grow as more volunteers join our nationwide literacy movement.

About Us

Community action guides