The BIG picture...SAYL is committed to eliminating the cycle of childhood illiteracy in San Antonio, Texas by promoting the literacy skills of our at--risk youth.

The BIG goal: Get all children reading at grade level when they enter 3rd Grade.

The Focus: At Risk 2nd Graders

The WHY: Up until the end of 2nd Grade, children are learning to read. From 3rd Grade on, children read to learn. Children that enter the 3rd grade, reading at grade level, are 8 TIMES more likely to graduate from High School - that's good for kids, our community and economy.

HOW SAYL Succeeds: SAYL provides opportunities for guided reading practice with a caring adult and fosters reading enjoyment through the "Reading Buddy" Program. For the last 9 years, the program has successfully matched community volunteers with children who struggle with basic reading and comprehension skills. On average, children increase their reading level by one grade level.

All it takes: 30 minutes a week. In that time, children go from reading words, to reading sentences, to understanding the story. In the process, their self-esteem and self-confidence build which positively effects their attitude and performance both in and outside the classroom.

Growth & Demand: 1000+ Kids this school year

SAYL served 900 students in the 2011-2012 school year, verses 485 from 2010-2011, that’s almost double! SAYL expects to exceed this number in the 2012-2013, which means: more students, supplies, training, computers, and staff to manage and deliver another successful program.

Your donations help make it possible to reach more children and set them up to win in school and life!

The Attention Getters that get peoples attention to Donate:

- The State of Texas forecasts the number of future prison cells to be built - based on the number of children NOT at reading grade level at the start of 3rd grade.

- San Antonio ranks 7th in population, 62nd in literacy.

- San Antonio illiteracy level is 25% (12.5% illiteracy + 12.5% functionally illiterate)

- San Antonio has the highest number of high school drop outs not just in Texas, but the nation.

We appreciate your interest & contribution.