RBBB is the only nonprofit in Arizona that pairs middle school mentors (Leaders) with third-graders (Readers) in a highly structured reading comprehension program to help solve Arizona’s literacy crisis. In this way, RBBB serves not just one but two students at the same time, helping struggling third-graders increase comprehension skills while developing leadership skills in at-risk middle schoolers. RBBB provides Arizona’s next generation with experience, skills and self-confidence to be successful both academically and in an increasingly globalized world.
Reading is critical for an educated workforce. But more than half of Arizona’s third-graders don’t read at grade level; for disadvantaged students, the rate is higher. However, with proper reading intervention, there is an 89-percent chance that students who can read at grade level by the end of third grade will graduate from high school, irrespective of socio-economic status. Additionally, research shows that our Leaders’ service-learning can positively affect long-term student academic engagement, achievement and future success.
Sophie Etchart, Founder & CEO
Read Better Be Better
Read Better Be Better is a reading comprehension program that partners third-graders with middle school mentors to improve literacy skills and become better learners.
How long with company: since inception (5 years)
Sector(s) serving locally: Education, Nonprofit
