March is National Reading Month! And whether it’s diving into a favorite story, exploring new worlds, or learning something brand new, reading opens up endless possibilities for kids and adults alike. It’s not just essential for academic success—it’s fun, imaginative, and empowering. This month, we’re highlighting why reading matters and how our community can help every child become a confident, lifelong reader.
The State of Early Literacy in Tampa Bay
Achieving reading proficiency by the end of third grade is a pivotal milestone that significantly influences a child’s future academic trajectory. The Annie E. Casey Foundation emphasizes that children who do not read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to leave school without a diploma than proficient readers.
Encouragingly, recent data from the 2025 State of the Region report highlights notable advancements in our community, highlighting the ever-growing importance of programs offering academic support in Hillsborough County. Third-grade reading proficiency in the Tampa Bay area has risen from 47.70% to 53.57%, marking a 5.87% improvement.
But while this is a step in the right direction, it still means nearly half of our third graders aren’t reading on grade level—a worrying number that signals the urgent need for continued focus and investment in early literacy.
Lack of literacy can lead to struggles across various subjects that require reading comprehension, even beyond English and Language Arts. Science, social studies, and math all demand a foundational level of reading ability. When students lack those skills, they risk falling behind in understanding basic coursework, which can compound academic challenges over time.
HEF’s Commitment to Early Literacy
In response to these challenges, the Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF), in collaboration with the Helios Education Foundation and the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, launched the Transforming Early Literacy Initiative (TELI), a pivotal Tampa Bay educational initiative. This program focuses on enhancing educator practices and provides dedicated literacy coaches at 14 high-needs elementary schools across Hillsborough County. TELI’s strategic, data-driven approach aims to create a seamless transition across grade levels and offer young learners academic support in Hillsborough County by addressing their unique needs.
How You Can Support Literacy in Tampa Bay
For Parents and Caregivers:
Reading with your child every day is one of the most powerful ways to build literacy skills—and it’s a great way to bond. Whether it’s a bedtime story, a trip to the library, or exploring books about their favorite topics, these shared moments foster a love of reading that can last a lifetime.
For Community Members:
You don’t have to be in the classroom to make an impact. By donating to Hillsborough Education Foundation, you’re helping bring vital resources, programs, and support to students who need it most, and are investing in Tampa Bay educational initiatives that shape the future of children in our community. Your generosity fuels initiatives like TELI and ensures that every child has a chance to succeed.
Together, we can create a community where every child becomes a confident, capable reader. Let’s turn the page on early literacy challenges—and write a brighter future for all.
