A child who cannot read proficiently by the end of third grade is four times more likely to drop out of high school. Utah currently serves more than 183,000 K–3 students statewide across 41 school districts and charter systems. Only about half of all these students are reading at grade level. This means far too many of our youngest Utahns, and future workforce, are falling behind at the very moment their education should be taking off.
The good news is, this challenge is solvable. Research shows that with consistent, evidence-based support, the vast majority of children who are behind can catch up. What stands between where we are and where we need to be is intentional and meaningful action. And the business community is already supporting this important work.
Today I’d like to make you aware of an incredible new program, created by our own Utah Community Builders, that connects your philanthropic efforts directly to school-identified literacy needs across Utah. It’s called Literacy Match. This summer, elementary schools statewide submitted specific literacy needs, such as additional literacy paraprofessionals, evidence-based literacy tools and materials and literacy experiences. And now Utah Community Builders is looking to match businesses and individuals to meet these high-impact needs. You identify the type of intervention support you are interested in. Utah Community Builders matches you with a specific need. Then that participating school reports back on exactly how the funds were used. This is an incredible opportunity to improve outcomes for our students.
I encourage you to participate or to simply learn more by filling out the Literacy Match form and a member of Utah Community Builders will be in touch.
Utah Rising, our business-led economic vision for Utah’s future, set a clear goal to raise third-grade reading proficiency to 100% by 2030. Through the Workforce & Education focus area, we are bringing business, civic and community leaders together to reach this goal. Many of you have jumped into this effort. Let’s keep the momentum going.
The prosperity Utah enjoys today was built by leaders who chose to act. Thank you for taking this challenge on with us. Together, let’s ensure every Utahn, especially our children, has the opportunity to rise.