Alachua County Reads collaborative literacy initiative takes big steps forward

Press release from Alachua County Reads

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Alachua County Reads (ACR) collaborative continues to take steps in a county-wide effort to improve literacy for residents of all ages. The Virtual Literacy Hub at www.alachuacountyreads.org launched on August 1, and programming across community-based partners and the Alachua County Public Schools is expanding to meet intervention and instructional support priorities.

The ACR initiative traces back to April 2025, when the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners, the Children’s Trust of Alachua County, and Alachua County Public Schools released the Alachua County Comprehensive Literacy Needs Assessment (ACCLNA), completed by the Lastinger Center at the University of Florida. The assessment identified the key activities and priorities needed to improve literacy rates for residents of all ages, from early childhood through adulthood, by coordinating efforts to expand school readiness, support training for Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) teachers in K-2 classrooms, and build up intervention programs for children, youth, and adults who need to improve their reading skills. ACR begins with a 3-year investment that will build the activities and collaboration needed to reach long-term goals identified in the assessment.

Dr. Heidi Keegan, Alachua County Reads Project Coordinator, stated, “The ACR initiative is a concerted, collective, and collaborative community effort to meet the literacy needs of our children and adults to improve life outcomes. This project aims to help our citizens thrive and create the economic and social opportunities they deserve.”

The ACR collaborative began meeting in May 2025 to identify partners and outline action items to meet the priorities of the assessment and achieve the following comprehensive community goals:

• Strengthen kindergarten readiness through high-quality VPK
• Help students read on grade level by the end of third grade
• Provide extra literacy support for students who need it most
• Expand adult literacy opportunities

Phase 1 was funded through an $800,000 investment from the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners and the Children’s Trust of Alachua County. In October 2025, Alachua County launched its Literacy Catalyst Initiative operated by PEAK Literacy, providing high-dosage reading tutoring to more than 300 youth across 11 participating community organizations using Great Leaps Reading Intervention. The initiative also plans to expand adult literacy services.

The ACR serves as the coordination lead, bringing partners together, engaging experts, and building community awareness through the Center for Nonprofit Excellence.

In July 2026, the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) expanded coaching and instructional support for K-3 teachers at four ACPS School Improvement sites. The collaborative is also creating a 20-member Community Advisory Council to help guide the work.

E. Stanley Richardson, Poet Laureate of Alachua County and Community Advisory Council member, stated, “Literacy is much more than the ability to read and write; literacy is the foundation of all opportunity, self-expression, and civic engagement. As a poet, educator, and arts advocate, I have seen first-hand how literacy empowers individuals to find their voice, tell their stories, and participate fully in their communities” 

This fall, the Literacy Catalyst operated by PEAK Literacy will expand to serve more than 600 youth and adults with individualized tutoring across the county through virtual and community-based programs.  In spring 2027, Phase Two will begin, with UFLI and additional partners working in early learning centers to expand school readiness, engaging more public schools, and expanding instructional support.

Xaviera White, CPM, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition, stated, “Literacy begins long before a child enters kindergarten. Reading is more than recognizing words; comprehension gives children the power to think critically, solve problems, and shape their own futures. I am hopeful because Alachua County Reads is bringing families, educators, businesses, and community organizations together around a shared commitment to our children. I challenge every member of our community to find a place in this effort so that every child is ready for school, ready for life, and equipped to thrive.”