Project UpLift is more than just a tutoring program – it’s a transformational force for young readers in our community. Project UpLift focuses on building reading proficiency through small group instruction, personalized learning plans, and consistent mentoring.
And the results speak volumes. In its first year, 91% of Project UpLift participants improved their i-Ready test scores, with 95% of 106 students showing improvement in 2018.
In Project UpLift classrooms, students show measurable gains in reading scores, improved comprehension, and greater confidence in their abilities. Beyond the data, we see something even more powerful: a renewed sense of self-worth and academic possibility in children who once struggled to keep up.
Our certified reading tutors work with the bottom 25% of students, those who are reading one or two grades below grade level and need additional support. Sessions are held after school and are designed to be engaging, consistent, and affirming. The program reinforces classroom learning while addressing each child’s unique reading level and needs.
We’ve seen students go from avoiding books to eagerly reaching for chapter novels. Parents tell us that their children are reading aloud at home for the first time. Teachers report increased participation and focus. And principals praise the program for creating a culture of support and encouragement that benefits the whole school.
One of the greatest strengths of Project UpLift is its community-based approach. Local donors and educators unite to uplift the students and the entire educational ecosystem.
Roots and Wings is committed to expanding Project UpLift so that every child in our region has the chance to become a confident, capable reader by the end of third grade. In the 2024–2025 school year, Project UpLift expanded to serve over 1,100 students across 15 Title I public elementary schools in Palm Beach County. By year-end testing, students who began the year in the bottom 25% of their class achieved scores comparable to their peers. And with continued support, we can change the trajectory for thousands more students – one book, one session, one child at a time.
Learn more about how you can support us in our mission by visiting https://rootsandwingsinc.org/support/.
