In 2024, 51% of second graders and 47% of 3rd graders were failing reading in New Orleans, childhood literacy is a critical problem. Combatting this, STAIR’s goals are three-fold: (1) get students to read at grade level; (2) increase their self-esteem; (3) create a life-long love of reading. We meet the literacy needs of each student individually wherever they are in their educational journey. Our curriculum bridges the divide that low-literate students face by incorporating diverse characters, concepts, and levels to build a strong reading foundation. Each week, for 12 weeks, students and tutors read together, practice phonics, learn sight words, play word games, and vocabulary. For a child struggling to read, there is no substitute for receiving consistent weekly one-on-one tutoring from an adult. This support is only possible because of you!

Start The Adventure In Reading (STAIR)'s mission is to increase the reading skills and self-esteem of lower elementary students. STAIR provides free, one-on-one tutoring to local children at risk of failing reading. STAIR students are eligible for free/reduced meals, are 90% people of color, and most come from single parent led households. Our goal is to change the life-long opportunities of our youngest citizens, and STAIR is more needed than ever.