Literacy is one of the greatest forms of freedom that youth can acquire. Thanks to your support, the City of Buffalo has launched Reading ALL-STARS, a year-round literacy initiative designed to help our youth thrive. This program builds on our successful Share the Art of Reading (STAR) program, which delivers weekly after-school enrichment focused on vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension for City of Buffalo school-aged youth at community centers across the city.
Together with our partners, which include local businesses, nonprofits, and committed sponsors like you, we’re actively addressing one of our community’s greatest needs— improved child literacy. While literacy rates are slowly improving after setbacks related to the COVID-19 pandemic, only 25% of Buffalo’s 3rd through 5th graders are reading and writing at grade level. Many schools throughout New York State and across the country are also facing this issue. Although this is a challenge, we are rising to meet it.
Reading ALL-STARS is already making an impact. Here’s what’s happening:
- Spring 2025: Over 600 families joined us at the Literacy Fair at Willert Community Center and Family Fun Day at MLK Park. More than 1,000 books were distributed, and youth participated in hands-on reading activities designed to prevent summer slide.
- Summer 2025: On July 17, we’ll bring together 1,600+ youth campers for National Summer Learning Dayat Canalside, a city-wide celebration packed with fun, engaging literacy and learning opportunities.
- Fall 2025: We’ll kick off the academic year with the official launch of the STAR program during a press event encouraging families to enroll in after-school literacy programming offered at community centers throughout Buffalo.
- Winter 2025: In partnership with STAR, we’ll debut Young Authors, a new initiative that will spotlight the creative writing talents of Buffalo’s youth.
We’re expanding literacy access across after-school programs, utilizing the City’s website as an online resource hub, and hosting special citywide literacy events year-round. Your support is helping us grow this initiative and raise reading levels in every neighborhood.
Here’s how you can stay involved:
- Help us spread the word about upcoming events by sharing our news and updates on social media.
- Join us at special events and press conferences throughout the year. Sponsors will continue to be recognized publicly.
- Please update us with any contact changes so we can keep you informed.
Your investment is not just appreciated; it’s making a measurable difference. Together, we are turning the page toward a brighter future for City of Buffalo youth.
