ENDOWMENT
Unlocking Potential Through Literacy: The Judy A. Hennessy Early Literacy Endowment
At DECA, we believe that strong reading skills are the foundation for a lifetime of learning and success. The Judy A. Hennessey Endowment for DECA Early Literacy is an essential initiative that empowers our teachers with the tools and training they need to make a lasting impact on our students' futures. This Endowment for DECA Early Literacy will ensure long-term support for our organization’s youngest learners and provide resources for continued excellence in literacy education
Thanks to the continued generosity of the Lockwood Family, every dollar we raise through the month of March will be matched with a $2 contribution, tripling the power of your support. These funds will allow us to train our educators in the Science of Reading, update our curriculum to reflect the latest research, and most importantly, help close the reading gap for our youngest readers. Together, we can ensure that every child at DECA PREP has the literacy skills to thrive, both in school and beyond.
Track Your Impact
21.78%
$16,335 of $75,000 raised
Projects Powered by Your Generosity
Sending teachers to Mount St. Joseph’s for training in the Science of Reading:
This opportunity allows our teachers to receive specialized training in the Science of Reading at M. St. Joseph’s, ensuring they are equipped with the most effective methods for teaching literacy.
Curriculum advancing the Science of Reading:
With updated curriculum rooted in the Science of Reading, our classrooms will implement evidence-based strategies that align with how students naturally learn to read.
Science of Reading materials and books to enhance reading in our classrooms:
These funds will provide essential materials and books that bring reading to life for our scholars, enriching their learning environment and sparking a love for literacy.
Grade-level tutors:
Grade-level tutors offer individualized attention and targeted support, reinforcing key reading concepts and helping scholars stay on track. Their involvement ensures that students who need extra help receive it promptly, enhancing their progress and overall reading achievement
This is What Literacy Looks Like
Teaching Future College Grads
Growing Confidence Through Reading
Early Literacy Matters
To better explain how important and impactful Early Literacy is, below are six significant effects of early literacy on a child's education, college success, and overall life skills:
Enhanced Academic Performance: Early literacy skills set the foundation for all learning, enabling children to understand and engage with various subjects. Students who develop reading skills early tend to perform better in school, particularly in subjects like math, science, and social studies, due to their improved comprehension and analytical abilities.
Increased College Readiness and Success: Early literacy skills are crucial for college readiness. Children who read proficiently by third grade are more likely to graduate high school on time and pursue higher education. Strong reading and comprehension skills are essential for success in college, where complex texts and critical thinking are required.
Improved Communication Skills: Early literacy fosters strong verbal and written communication skills, which are essential for expressing thoughts clearly and effectively. These skills are invaluable in higher education, the workplace, and personal relationships, helping individuals articulate their ideas and connect with others.
Enhanced Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Literacy encourages children to think critically and solve problems, skills that are crucial for academic success and navigating everyday life. Reading helps children learn to analyze information, make connections, and draw conclusions, preparing them for complex tasks in school and beyond.
Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem: Children who master literacy early are more confident in their academic abilities. This confidence often extends beyond the classroom, encouraging them to participate in discussions, take on leadership roles, and pursue opportunities that require strong communication skills.
Better Long-Term Life Outcomes: Early literacy is linked to improved life skills, such as time management, empathy, and financial literacy. Reading broadens a child’s understanding of the world, helps them develop empathy by exposing them to diverse perspectives, and equips them with the skills needed to navigate complex social and professional environments.
