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Recognizing September as National Literacy Month and Celebrating Philadelphia’s Commitment to Expanding Literacy for All
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WHEREAS, National Literacy Month is observed annually to underscore the fundamental importance of reading, writing, and digital literacy skills for individuals of all ages, serving as a foundation for educational achievement, workforce readiness, civic participation, and everyday life; and
WHEREAS, Literacy disparities are closely linked to broader social inequities, including gender, race, socioeconomic status, and access to early education. Students who fail to achieve reading proficiency by third grade are significantly more likely to drop out of school, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting lifelong opportunities, while children of parents with low literacy skills often enter school less prepared, exacerbating achievement gaps; and
WHEREAS, In light of these educational disparities, it is essential to invest in community-based support systems including public libraries, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government agencies to foster a Citywide ecosystem for literacy development that encompasses early childhood education, K–12 instruction, adult education, workforce training, and lifelong learning; and
WHEREAS, Education is a shared responsibility, and literacy is essential to the strength and success of our communities. Which is why organizations that place literacy at the center of their mission are vital partners. Children First is one of those indispensable community advocates. By serving and advocating for more than 1.75 million young people across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Children First works to expand access to high-quality literacy programs that help prepare the minds and leaders of tomorrow; and
WHEREAS, Through its Éxito K-3 Literacy Strategy, Congreso has become a trusted partner to families and schools throughout the 7th Council District, investing in our youngest learners and he...
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