Case for Support
When children lack access to literacy-rich experiences before age 5, they can fall behind and may never catch up.
Early Literacy Is a Key Marker of Success
Early literacy doesn’t just shape individual futures — it shapes our communities. From education and job opportunities to community health, strong early learning has a lasting impact.
Research shows that simple, everyday moments — being read to, talked to and sung to — build essential language and comprehension skills in early childhood. When children have these experiences regularly, they are 40% less likely to fall behind in school — increasing their chances of graduating and succeeding in life.
But not all children have the same access. In Arizona, achievement gaps begin before kindergarten. About 20% of children under age 5 live in under-resourced communities where these gaps are the widest — and where intentional support can make the biggest difference.
40%
When children read, talk and sing regularly, they are 40% less likely to fall behind in school.
1 in 3
Children under age 5 live in poverty and are in danger of falling behind before they start kindergarten.
4x
Children who struggle to read in fourth grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school.
How Make Way for Books Is Making a Difference
Make Way for Books works in communities across Arizona to close this gap. We help children from birth to age 5 build the early literacy and language skills they need to start school ready to learn.
Our early literacy programs focus on the adults in a child’s life — parents, caregivers and educators, who already have what it takes — providing research-based tools, coaching and engaging experiences that turn everyday interactions into meaningful learning.
Our two signature programs work together: The Story Project equips early educators in childcare and preschool settings with coaching and resources, while Story School empowers families to support their child’s learning through bilingual, evidence-based learning experiences in trusted community spaces. And our app extends our reach by turning smartphones into libraries, storytimes and educational playrooms — anytime, anywhere.
Our impact is clear: 75% of the children who participate in our programs meet or exceed reading benchmarks through third grade. When we invest in early literacy, we help level the playing field and build a stronger, more successful Arizona.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Cursus cursus sapien adipiscing mollis eros aliquam nunc. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur dolore.”
First Last Name
Nulla semper posuere nibh sed pharetra. Vivamus tempor nisi lorem, quis posuere sapien dictum at. Proin vel odio in nisi convallis bibendum nec id mauris. Proin vel ultricies neque, gravida mattis ipsum.
Nulla semper posuere nibh sed pharetra. Vivamus tempor nisi lorem, quis posuere sapien dictum at. Proin vel odio in nisi convallis bibendum nec id mauris. Proin vel ultricies neque, gravida mattis ipsum.
Nulla semper posuere nibh sed pharetra. Vivamus tempor nisi lorem, quis posuere sapien dictum at. Proin vel odio in nisi convallis bibendum nec id mauris. Proin vel ultricies neque, gravida mattis ipsum.
1 of 3
