Literacy
Literacy, simply put, is the ability to read and write. It is a critical skill needed for us to communicate and participate freely in society.
What would you like to learn?
Thank you to Read Charlotte for providing guidance on core content as Lead Agency for this folio.
What is Literacy?
Literacy, simply put, is the ability to read and write. It is a critical skill needed for us to communicate and participate freely in society.
Literacy is one of the most decisive factors that shapes a child’s future.
Research shows that reading proficiency by 3rd grade increases high school and college graduation rates, boosts household income, and increases employment opportunities and stability. This is because a child’s early years are when the brain is most receptive to learning language, when vocabulary is built, and when the child shifts from learning to read to reading to learn.
Strong literacy skills are core to positive impacts on employment, health, parenting, civic participation, and lifelong learning.
Because of its wide-reaching effects, literacy is a vital community issue that is critical for all of us.
Key Facts
Scroll down for key facts on literacy
80%
of brain growth happens in the first three years of life
60,000
children in the Charlotte area are growing up in homes with few or no books
53%
of CMS students in grades 3-8 are at or above grade level for reading comprehension
72.3%
of K-2 students in CMS placed at or above early literacy benchmark in 2024-25
33% higher
household income is earned in early adulthood by students who had above‑average reading skills in Grades 3 and 4
<30 minutes
is the amount of training time volunteer tutors need to prepare foundational word reading skills with young children through Queen City Readers™
What is happening now?
There is real momentum—and real urgency—around early literacy. Across North Carolina, schools are rebuilding reading instruction, including statewide science‑of‑reading training now required for every K–5 teacher. Early results show progress, reinforcing a shared belief: strong reading skills early in life shape long‑term outcomes.
In Charlotte, this work is coordinated through Read Charlotte, a public‑private collaborative housed at Foundation For The Carolinas. Launched in 2015 after data showed only 40% of 3rd graders were reading on grade level, Read Charlotte acts as a backbone organization—aligning schools, healthcare systems, libraries, and community partners around what works, from a child’s first book through 3rd grade.
That coordination has been strengthened by later local investments in early childhood education, prompted by Charlotte’s low national ranking for economic mobility. Together, these efforts aim to build a more connected, effective literacy system for children and families across Mecklenburg County.
Our educational institutions are also aligned. In its Goals and Guardrails, Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Schools prioritizes early literacy, reading comprehension, and strong outcomes by 3rd grade. The Mebane Early Literacy Center at UNC Charlotte serves as a key community resource for evidence-based instruction, research, and teacher development in early literacy.
While significant challenges remain—uneven access to books, persistent gaps, and student absenteeism—Charlotte has the partners, organizations, data, and momentum to continue improving how children learn to read.
Donate or volunteer now
To donate and volunteer with nonprofits working in Literacy, visit SHARE Charlotte’s directory for Literacy, Digital Literacy, Library, and ESL – English as a Second Language.
Take Action
Choose a card below to learn more.
Learn Who is Leading
Give Back Financially
Volunteer
Advocate
Donate books
Align Priorities
Starting points
These six organizations are good starting points for someone new to this topic to learn more.
Charlotte is home to a growing network of people and organizations who believe in building a stronger, more connected community for all.
Explore more resources below.
Explore More
Explore More
fftc:FWD provides starting points and exploration options for each fftc:FWD topic. Extensive directories of nonprofit organizations working in this topic can be found through the Share Charlotte Donate and Volunteer options above. The organizations below include some nonprofits suggested by the community, but also include government agencies, private sector initiatives, collaborations, and other efforts from across sectors.
ALP Charlotte empowers underserved students through leadership development, academic support, and mentorship programs.
Bilingual Preschool provides dual-language early childhood education that supports multilingual learning and school readiness.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library connects communities through literacy, learning resources, technology, and educational programs.
Classroom Central equips students and teachers with free school supplies to support educational success and equity.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools provides public education, academic programs, and student support across Mecklenburg County.
Provides access to superior speech-language and hearing services that empower and transform lives.
A family of Museums with immersive experiences that captivate, challenge, and empower audiences of all ages, sparking a spirit of discovery and lifelong learning.
Freedom School Partners strengthens literacy and educational equity through summer learning and student enrichment programs.
Heart Math Tutoring helps elementary students build confidence and improve math skills through volunteer tutoring support.
International House supports immigrants and international communities through education, cultural exchange, and advocacy programs.
Promising Pages provides books to children in need to support literacy, learning, and a lifelong love of reading.
Reach Out and Read Carolinas promotes early literacy by integrating books and reading guidance into pediatric care.
UNC Charlotte’s MELC supports educational leadership, research, and community engagement in literacy and learning.
NCDPI supports North Carolina public schools through leadership, educational resources, and student achievement initiatives.
OurBRIDGE supports immigrant and refugee children through education, enrichment, and community-based programs.
Profound Gentlemen supports male educators of color through leadership development, mentorship, and professional growth.
Reach Out and Read promotes early childhood literacy through books, family engagement, and pediatric partnerships.
Read Charlotte improves children’s literacy through community collaboration, educational resources, and reading initiatives.
Reading Partners helps students improve literacy skills through individualized tutoring and community-based support programs.
Thompson Child & Family Focus supports children and families through education, mental health, and community services.
UrbanPromise Charlotte empowers youth through education, leadership development, and community-centered programs.
Tools and Resources
Everything you need in one place. Browse articles, reports, and tools that support your journey.
Lingo to Know
Every topic has its own vocabulary. Learn a few key words here so you can explore with confidence.
Benchmark
A standard or point of reference used to measure performance.
Book desert
A neighborhood where children have very few books at home or nearby.
Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS)
A set of procedures and measures for assessing the acquisition of literacy skills in K-8 grade.
Fluency
Reading smoothly and accurately at a comfortable pace without struggling on individual words.
Phonics
A teaching method that connects individual sounds in spoken words to written letters.
Reading comprehension
The ability to understand and make meaning from what has been read.
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Special thanks to cover artist, Davita Galloway!
Connecting the Dots
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