Achieve Now

, effective, and joyful readers who see reading as an integral part of their lives and are life-long learners. Our pie-in-the-sky goal is to ensure that every K-2 student receives three years of robust support in order that they can ably navigate the all-important transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.”

Achieve Now moves Philadelphia schoolchildren to grade-level reading in an accelerated time frame by recruiting and training adult volunteers to coach first-and second graders one-on-one and by offering direct small group instruction to kindergarten and first grade students. We affirm student identities, using values-driven and asset-based language. We approach our students with high expectations and celebrate the many and varied skills students possess. At Achieve Now, we see literacy as a social justice issue. We are committed to creating fair and equitable learning environments for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our work aims to address systemic barriers and ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We strive to help children unlock stories that reflect their lived experience and open them up to a diverse array of alternative experiences. We believe that diversity and inclusion are catalysts for meaningful change and recognize that building a more inclusive and equitable world starts at home, in our own organization. We foster an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, heard, valued, and supported. This positions us to promote inclusive practices, addressing disparities, and fostering empathy and understanding among students.