Empower children. Give the power of literacy.

Welcome to the DC Reads Website
In Washington DC, almost 30% of our third grade children do not pass standardized reading tests. As adults, 36 % of DC Residents function at the lowest level of literacy, functional illiteracy. These statistics, many of which are mirrored throughout the country, represent a major challenge for the District.

In 1996, President Clinton issued the America Reads Challenge, a call to the nation to “ensure that every child can read by the conclusion of the third grade.” Today, American University’s DC Reads Program remains committed to that challenge.

DC Reads is an umbrella of collaborative off-campus literacy programs that provide quality tutoring to children in need. It is a joint effort of local American University, its students, the DC Public Schools, and community-based organizations to support literacy in Washington, DC.

Become a DC Reads Tutor. Click here to find information about the application process.