Fact Sheet for Born To Read

Early literacy is the leading predictor of academic success, high school graduation and life success.

15% of entering first graders in the Trident area test “not ready” for school.

88% of poor readers in first grade are still poor readers in fourth grade.

43% of fourth graders are performing at below-basic reading levels.

40% of South Carolina’s children don’t go on to graduate high school.

48% of 19-24 year-olds and 44% of 25-39 year olds in S.C. perform at literacy levels below that which is required for most entry-level jobs.

Less than 15% of jobs available are for unskilled workers.

40% of tax returns filed have an adjusted gross income of $20,000 or less.

The National League of Cities has identified Born To Read as one of three kinds of services that every city should support for healthy and successful children.

Born To Read began in 1995 and has spread to dozens of cities nationwide.

The partners in this phase of Born To Read are:
Charleston County Public Library
Friends of the Charleston County Library
Medical University of South Carolina
Trident United Way’s Success By 6

Most of the $23,000 cost is funded through a grant from a private foundation.