Founded in 2012 by State Senator Vincent Hughes, the Read to Succeed (R2S) Philadelphia Program has provided low socioeconomic families with the opportunity to continue to enrich their children academically during the summer months free of charge. Senator Hughes responded to a critical need in the Philadelphia community and provided a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for their children. Read to Succeed Philadelphia empowers children by fostering literacy skills and instilling confidence in their ability to learn.

 

In 2024, R2S launched a year-round program, offering students and families access to reading materials and instruction to foster continuous literacy growth throughout the year.

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Key successes include increased caregiver confidence in fostering children’s learning, measurable improvements in early literacy and social skills among participating children and strengthened community partnerships that have amplified the program’s reach. 

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R2S has successfully implemented initiatives such as parenting workshops, early learning resource distribution, and caregiver support, reaching hundreds of families in underserved communities.