SMART Reading
Mission
To spark joy and opportunity through the magic of a shared book.
Bottom Line for Portland
For thirty years, SMART Reading has provided two key elements of literacy success: shared reading time and access to books. Last year we merged with the Children’s Book Bank, an organization that gives new life to community-donated children’s books and distributes them to local kids. With students facing missed learning due to the pandemic, ensuring that kids have the support they need to become strong, confident readers is more important than ever. In the 2023-24 school year, our organization will reach 23,000 students with in-person and virtual reading support and give away more than 240,000 high-quality books!
Quote
"Some schools may look at SMART Reading as a supportive program, but it's times like these when SMART Reading becomes an ESSENTIAL program." - Debbie Armendariz, Peninsula Elementary School Principal, Portland
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
SMART Reading is an early literacy program focused on helping all children reach their full potential through reading. Advancing equity and inclusion are at the heart of our mission, and we’re committed to ensuring all children in our programs have access to inclusive, high-quality books that reflect their culture, experiences, and identity, and have a positive, culturally-affirming experience with reading.
Partner(s)
KinderCare Learning Companies is generously matching $25,000 in Give!Guide donations to SMART Reading.
SMART Reading is in the Education category which is sponsored by Bank of America.
They're a medium-sized organization with activities in Clackamas Co., Multnomah Co. and Washington Co.