Literacy Builds Futures

Read Northwest exists to elevate early childhood literacy in Southwest Washington.

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Literate By 3rd Grade Changes Everything.

Literacy by age nine sets the precedent for a child’s future. If a child reads by the third grade, they have nearly a 90% chance of graduating from high school. Meanwhile, if that same child is illiterate, they are far more likely to fall victim to addiction, poverty, and a life of crime.

IN THE 
UNITED 
STATES...

30 Million

American Adults are illiterate.

1.2 million

American children drop out
each year (before COVID).

1 in 4

American school children
cannot read.

AND 67% OF CHILDREN WHO CANNOT READ BY AGE NINE WILL END UP IN PRISON OR ON WELFARE.

IN 
CLARK
COUNTY

  • 21 of 62 Elementary Schools Are Title One.

  • It is Estimated That 45% of Our 3rd Grade Children Are  Not Reading at Grade Level.

  • More Than 22,000 People Lack Basic Literacy Skills.

    More Than 3,500 Children Need Reading Support.

OUR PROGRAMS

BOOK GIVEAWAYS

In the past 2 years,  READ Northwest donated approximately 50,000 new books to school children In Vancouver, Battle Ground, Hazel Dell and the surrounding communities.

READING BUDDIES

Our two pilot schools, Sacajawea in Hazel Dell and Hathaway Elementary in Washougal, both show promise for the "Reading Buddies" program. In partnership with area Churches, local community leaders, and dedicated volunteers, Read Northwest launched these programs concurrently in March 2022.

We also launched Fruit Valley in March of 2023.

The Vancouver School District plans to expand the program significantly over the next 2-3 years.

The Washougal School District has expanded to four Elementary Schools and Camas continues to grow.

DIGITAL LITERACY PROGRAMS

The team at Read Northwest piloted a first-of-its-kind virtual literacy program in our area.  Partnering with BookNook, Battle Ground Schools and St. Helens, OR schools and students, it provided the BookNook Literacy Program.

In Summer 2022, Read Northwest plans to launch its second BookNook program in partnership with a local children at a Family homeless shelter.

About Us

In early 2018, the idea for Read Northwest was founded by a group of Vancouver business leaders. While in the planning and development stage of creating this non-profit, COVID-19 emerged and put a halt to the whole process. It shut down any and all volunteer activity within the schools and other organizations.

During this time, organizers continued to lay the foundation by building relationships and alliances with a wide variety of stakeholders.    As the effort grew, hundreds of conversations took place with various community service and civic organizations, Clark County School Districts, and faith-based organizations.

With all these efforts put together, Read Northwest has finally come to life in Vancouver and surrounding communities.

Volunteer Opportunities

PLEASE APPLY HERE

Volunteer Coordinators

Anna Paul
Director of Operations
Washougal Schools

anna.paul@readnw.org
360.409.0036

Jennifer Winsell
Vancouver Schools

jennifer.winsell@readnw.org
360.608.0204

Jennifer Campen
Camas Schools

jennifer.campen@readnw.org
360.931.2723

Sara Angelo
Vancouver Schools
Open House Ministries

sara.angelo@readnw.org

Jennifer Dondero
Battle Ground Schools

jennifer.dondero@readnw.org
760.707.3678

Francine DeFord
The Boys and Girls Club

francine.deford@readnw.org
503.269.7234