USoR targets a national literacy crisis, with millions of students reading below grade level. Research has shown that literacy proficiency directly correlates with personal and societal well-being, yet disparities in access to books and reading opportunities exacerbate inequities in education. USoR’s approach of providing book choice, access, and ownership addresses this challenge at its roots.

Unlike other programs, USoR centers on student-driven book selection, allowing children to build personal libraries of books they are genuinely excited to read. This innovation amplifies the impact of existing literacy curricula by fostering intrinsic motivation and a strong reader identity.

Impact Reading has formed a coalition of partners, including Scholastic, Save the Children, and local organizations like the Learning Alliance, to ensure widespread implementation. The program also collaborates with celebrated authors and literacy advocates to engage communities and scale effectively.

USoR’s two-year pilot has demonstrated measurable success: increased reading motivation, improved classroom environments, and enhanced teacher morale. The program continues to track its impact through qualitative and quantitative tools, aiming for transformative outcomes across the U.S.

USoR specifically targets Title 1 schools, which serve students most affected by disparities in educational resources. By building infrastructure and partnerships, Impact Reading is poised to scale nationally, ensuring the program’s sustainability and long-term impact.

Through its selection as a Rockefeller Foundation Big Bet, USoR aims to reach 10 million students across under-resourced schools nationwide, creating a tipping point for literacy equity. By addressing a foundational barrier to education, the program not only helps children read but also empowers them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally—paving the way for a more equitable and literate society.