CODE READ INC

Our goal is to provide every child an equal opportunity to increase their academic growth through reading. The Annie E. Casey Foundation found that 74 percent of students who tested below the 25th percentile in reading were from low-income families. Providing a wealth of books to children in low-income homes can help break the link between poverty and poor academic outcomes. Scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), are considered “catastrophically low” for children of color. Nationally, only 18 percent of black students and 21 percent of Hispanic students tested “above proficient” in reading by the end of 4th grade.

Code Read is an advocate for youth literacy founded for the sole purpose of providing children in need with new books they can call their own. In 2022, Code Read intends to continue to put new books into the hands of underserved youth in Los Angles County. Our goal is to provide intriguing, age appropriate print materials to 4,000 children in Title 1 elementary schools, transitional housing and foster homes in order to increase their literacy skills and desire to read. Research has shown that increasing access to books and giving children the opportunity to chose what they desire to read improves literacy levels and attitudes toward reading and learning.

Our program at the elementary school level begins with a kickoff assembly at the school. We speak to students about the importance of reading and encourage kids to work hard to earn their books. Our goal is to create excitement and enthusiasm for reading. Through our program, students receive reward charts and work to achieve goals set by their teachers. Each reward system is unique to the student. For one child goals might include turning in homework, for another it might be reading every day for 20 minutes. Goals are always realistic so as not to exclude any child. The purpose of the reward system is for the student to feel as though they have earned the books they chose. Six to eight weeks following the kickoff assembly, we return to host a free book fair. Every student is included.

Code Read operates differently for families in transitional housing and foster youth. For these children we simply set up a free book distribution. Kids can chose from hundreds of age appropriate titles. We strive to get free books into the youth who need them the most.

Code Read was founded in 2016 by student, Mackenzie Krestul. Code Read is an approved 501c3 public charity, incorporated in California. Mackenzie`s passion for reading drives her desire to improve literacy levels and inspire a love of reading in as many children as possible.
Since incorporation, Code Read has provided over 30,000 new books, 10,000 book bags and 10,000 bookmarks to disadvantaged youth in Los Angeles County. We have received multiple honors from the Palmdale California School District recognizing Code Read’s contribution to the community.

Our highest priority is to serve low income communities as well as organizations that serve this population. We have embarked on a capital campaign to fund a Bookmobile. A Bookmobile will enable Code Read to extend our outreach to include Head Start Centers, preschools, senior centers, assisted living facilities, low-income housing, children’s hospitals and juvenile detention centers. The Bookmobile will provide free high quality fiction and nonfiction books for all ages including large print and Spanish books. Providing free books for ownership will strengthen our goal of allowing children and adults an equal opportunity to increase their academic growth through reading.

Code Read is proud to have provided over 30,000 new books to children in low income communities. Research has shown that increasing access to books and giving children the opportunity to chose what they desire to read improves literacy levels and attitudes toward reading and learning.