History

Reading to Kids began with a small group of volunteers, teachers, and administrators who shared the same dream: to improve reading skills among the elementary school children of Los Angeles.

In May 1999, a program was developed at Gratts Elementary School that would emphasize learning and reading in an interactive and fun environment. It was called the "Gratts Reading Club." This first reading club was held in May 1999. The success and growth of that reading club led to the formation of Reading to Kids later that year.

The success of Reading to Kids is due to the Reading Club format--reading aloud to children consistently on the second Saturday of every month in a very fun and interactive environment for the children and the volunteers.

From a start of only 8 volunteers reading to 20 children at one school, Reading to Kids has grown to an average of 322 volunteers reading to an average of 601 children at eight schools every month. With the help of a solid base of outside organizations that act as supporters through providing volunteers and in-kind donations, the explosive growth continues.