About Project Read
We give people the power to put their dreams into words.
Literacy is a fundamental human right. It’s how we understand and navigate the world. It’s how we express our hopes and pursue our dreams. Since 1987, Project READ has provided free literacy tutoring to adults, children, and families in our lively and inviting space in the Redwood City Public Library. All our tutors are volunteers: neighbors helping neighbors in the spirit of “Each one, teach one” to build a stronger and more hopeful community.
Our approach is based on overcoming the obstacles to learning and breaking the intergenerational cycle of low literacy. We craft an individual plan for each learner based on their unique learning style, level of proficiency, and any learning differences they may face. Our programs are designed to include the whole family in the learning process.
Awards and Recognition
Designated by the US Department of Education as one of five “exemplary literacy programs” nationwide
Awarded a Certificate of Special Recognition by the US Congress and a Certificate of Recognition by the California State Senate for providing outstanding and invaluable literacy services to the community
One of five literacy programs nationwide chosen to participate in a national study by the Harvard School of Education and the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Fund
Awarded an English Language and Literacy Initiative grant by the California State Library
Received a J. Russell Kent Award from the San Mateo County School Boards Association for innovative and successful education programs in collaboration with Cañada College
Received a Starbucks Mega-Grant Award for youth and family programs
The Project READ learner community
Our adult and academically at-risk youth learners come to us from every stage of the learning journey. Some are children struggling to keep up in school. Some aspire to become the first in their family to attend college. Some hope to obtain their GED or improve skills that will open up new career opportunities. Some are parents who want to be able to read to their children at bedtime.
We are a community made up of families. For many Project READ families, parents and children all participate in one or more of our Adult, Youth, Family, and ESL programs — learning together and helping one another develop a lifelong love of learning.
Want to sign up for tutoring?
Our volunteers
Our large and diverse group of volunteer tutors is made up of students at local high schools, retirees, working professionals, and others who want to make a difference in their community and build relationships that might not be possible anywhere else. Many of our tutors were once Project READ learners themselves, inspired to come back and give a new generation the same opportunity Project READ gave them.
Staff
Meet the dedicated staff of education professionals at Project READ.
Redwood City Friends of Literacy
The 501(c)(3) organization that supports Project READ’s mission.