Over the last few decades, researchers have seen a correlation between children who are reading proficiently by the third grade and their future success. There’s a shift in the third grade where students are no longer learning to read, but reading to learn. Children who read proficiently by third grade are more likely to succeed in school and beyond, while those who struggle face higher risks of dropping out and earning lower incomes. Locally, third-grade reading proficiency rates in many Franklin County schools fell below 75%, worsening after the pandemic. To address this, the Charleys Kids Foundation dedicates a large portion of its resources to tutoring and supporting Columbus City Schools students.

The Charleys Kids Foundation aims to “strengthen communities worldwide by partnering with local programs that provide children with the critical resources to succeed through a trifold focus on education, mentorship, and healthy food.”

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