Houston Reads Day Calls for Volunteers to Tackle Literacy Crisis

As Houston prepares for its 6th annual Houston Reads Day, a concerning statistic looms over the city: 68% of third graders do not read at grade level. The non-profit organization Literacy Now is actively seeking volunteers for the event scheduled on February 27, 2026. The initiative aims to address the ongoing literacy crisis in Houston by engaging with young students and promoting the fundamental importance of reading.

The alarming data highlights the challenges faced by children in the area. According to Literacy Now, 41% of young children enter kindergarten unprepared, and early literacy skills directly impact future academic success. Students who are not reading at grade level by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school, while 85% of youth in the juvenile justice system are functionally illiterate. Furthermore, 70% of inmates in the United States cannot read above a fourth-grade level, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of poor literacy.

On Houston Reads Day, volunteers will have the opportunity to read to over 17,000 Pre-K through fifth-grade students across 45 schools in the Houston area. Volunteers are encouraged to read for 20 minutes per session, potentially engaging with multiple classes throughout the day. Participating school districts include Aldine ISD, Alief ISD, Clear Creek ISD, Houston ISD, Royal ISD, Sheldon ISD, and Spring Branch ISD, along with various charter schools.

This year, ABC13 will again partner with Literacy Now, with station volunteers visiting classrooms to read to students. The collective reading time will amount to over 13,000 minutes, but the goal extends beyond just one day; the initiative seeks to inspire continuous reading throughout the year.

Founded in 2006, Literacy Now—previously known as Making It Better—works to empower children through tutoring, mentoring, and additional support services. The organization has positively impacted the lives of over 28,000 children and their families since its inception.

Volunteers interested in contributing to the cause can register through Literacy Now’s website. The efforts during Houston Reads Day not only aim to raise awareness about the literacy crisis but also serve as a vital reminder of the importance of reading in shaping brighter futures for the youth of Houston.