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Springboard Collaborative in Chicago

In Chicago, learning to read is happening in classrooms, at kitchen tables, and side by side with the people who love these kids most. Meet the families, teachers, and students behind the work.

A story from Chicago

For one student in a Springboard Collaborative summer program, the change showed up in their own words. “Last year, I was so embarrassed and sad because I couldn’t read and all my classmates could,” they said. Five weeks later, they had something different to say. “But now I am a reader, I can read! I can’t wait to show my new class.”

Now I am a reader, I can read! I can’t wait to show my new class.

The Results in Chicago (2024-25)

4.7 months

of student reading growth in just 5 to 10 weeks, compared to 1.9 to 2.5 months of expected growth

96%

of parents felt more confident supporting their child with reading

97%

of educators said the program helped them develop as teachers

Where We Work in Chicago

District partners

Chicago Public Schools: Network 1
Network 2
Network 6,
Network 9
Network 12

Community partners

My Brother’s Keeper
Obama Foundation

Voices from Chicago

I have seen Springboard’s literacy programming change the trajectory of students who need intervention most.

Dr. Patrina Singleton

Principal, Brennemann Elementary School, CPS

It is a great program. I can see the changes it has made in my students’ reading abilities, and I’m happy to be a part of that.

Teacher

Chicago Public Schools

I would recommend most importantly because my child hasn’t stopped reading. He reads everything: mail, signs, posterboards. It’s a great feeling.

Parent

Revere Elementary, CPS

Chicago advisory council

We are building an Advisory Council of Chicago leaders who will help bring reading programs to more schools and families across the city. Founding members will drive visibility for the work, lead fundraising, and open doors to donors, partners, and advocates. The commitment is quarterly meetings, two virtual and two in person, with a one-year renewable term.

Interested in being part of it? Connect with us.

The work in Chicago grows when schools, families, and supporters build it together. Here is how to be part of it.

Get Involved in Chicago

For schools and districts

Interested in bringing Springboard Collaborative to your students? See how partnership works and start a conversation.

See how partnership works

For donors and funders

Support the work in Chicago. Reach out to our philanthropy team.

Get in touch