Reading proficiency is a matter of social justice — and we need your help to close the gap.
Two-thirds of students are falling behind, limiting their future success and opportunities. At Core Reading Center, we’re committed to providing equitable, high-quality reading support to break this cycle of inequality.
Stand with us to ensure every child has the chance to read, learn, and build a brighter future.
Your gift of $235 can feed 40 children
At Core Reading Center, we believe every child deserves the joy and confidence that comes with learning to read. That’s why we provide free, personalized reading support to children from all backgrounds, removing financial barriers that might stand in their way. With your generosity and support, we’re not just teaching kids to read—we’re giving them the gift of hope, opportunity, and a brighter tomorrow.
Core Reading Center is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to tackling one of the most urgent and overlooked issues in education: widespread reading underachievement among K–12 students.
In the United States, nearly 70% of fourth- and eighth-grade public school students are reading below the proficient level. In Nashville, the picture is equally troubling:
% Meeting and Not Meeting Expectations
These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent thousands of children falling further behind each year. And for many of them, reading support is either out of reach or not tailored to their needs.
This is more than an educational challenge—it’s a systemic equity issue. Students from historically marginalized communities are disproportionately affected, creating a cycle of academic struggle, lower graduation rates, and limited access to meaningful career and life opportunities.
At Core Reading Center, we see this crisis clearly—and we’re building solutions that meet it head-on.
Supporting growth through community- funding.
These numbers aren’t just statistics — they represent thousands of children falling further behind each year. And for many of them, reading support is either out of reach or not tailored to their needs.
This is more than an educational challenge — It’s a systemic equity issue. Students from historically marginalized communities are disproportionately affected, creating a cycle of academic struggle, lower graduation rates, and limited access to meaningful career and life opportunities.
At Core Reading Center, we see this crisis clearly — and we’re building solutions that meet it head-on.
Reading is the gateway to every other subject—and to success in life. When children can’t read, they struggle in math, science, history, and beyond. But the consequences stretch far beyond the classroom.
Students who are not reading proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. That one statistic alone ripples into lifelong outcomes: employment, income, self-esteem, and civic participation.
This isn’t just an academic issue—it’s a justice issue. Literacy impacts everything:
Addressing reading gaps for underserved students.
Free, personalized reading to empower lifelong learners.
Turning struggling readers into confident, capable learners.
At Core Reading Center, we believe every child deserves the power and possibility that reading unlocks. That’s why we provide free, evidence-based, reading instruction, meeting each student where they are, without financial or systemic barriers standing in their way.
We’re not just teaching reading.
We’re building confidence.
We’re building equity.
We’re building futures.
Because when we close the reading gap, we open the door to a better tomorrow—for students, families, and communities alike.
At Core Reading Center, our mission is simple but powerful:
To provide free, high-quality, personalized reading instruction that equips students to become confident, capable, lifelong readers.
We believe every child—regardless of background or income—deserves access to the tools they need to succeed in school and in life. For too many families, financial constraints make vital literacy support inaccessible. We’re here to change that.
By removing cost as a barrier and delivering evidence-based, tailored instruction, we work to level the educational playing field—one reader at a time.
Every lesson at Core Reading Center is an opportunity to change a life.
Our targeted reading support helps struggling students build critical skills, boost self-confidence, and develop a love of learning. Many of our students enter reading far below grade level—but with consistent support, they begin to close the gap and discover their full potential.
We’ve seen firsthand how access to high-quality instruction transforms students:
This is the impact we strive for every day: empowering students to not only read, but to thrive—academically, socially, and beyond.
We focus on impactful causes that address urgent community needs, from healthcare and education to food security and for lasting change.
Our programs are designed to create sustainable change by addressing community needs, empowering individuals, long-term development through education.
Your monthly Gift of $36 ensures that kids living in poverty have access to life – changing benefits
Discover the positive change we’ve created through our programs, partnerships, and dedicated efforts. From healthcare and education to environmental sustainability.
Providing essential healthcare services and resources to communities.
Providing essential healthcare services and resources to communities.
Providing essential healthcare services and resources to communities.
Our step-by-step process ensures meaningful change: identifying community needs, designing tailored programs, implementing sustainable solutions.
Provide essential healthcare service and resources to communities.
Providing essential healthcare services and resources to communities.
Providing essential healthcare services and resources to communities.
Providing essential healthcare services and resources to communities.
Help Our Kids with Education, Food, Health Support. Donate Now
Mrs. Bentley worked with our 9-year-old daughter, who has learning disabilities after a hemispherectomy. At the time, she could barely read. Thanks to Mrs. Bentley’s support, her reading and love of learning grew tremendously. That foundation continues to shape her success today. We’re deeply grateful for the lasting impact Mrs. Bentley made.
Our daughter had a bone marrow transplant at five and received home instruction for kindergarten. Mrs. Bentley was a Godsend—engaging, kind, and an exceptional teacher. She made learning enjoyable during a tough time and ignited a love for reading. Her impact remains a special part of our family today.
When we began, our daughter couldn’t read—but progress started immediately. Even through COVID and virtual sessions, she gained confidence and advanced several reading levels. Melinda’s consistency, kindness, and effective teaching made a lasting impact. As my daughter said, “She was kind to all the kids.”
Reading Camp has been a true blessing for my children. Reading was difficult for my son, and my daughter struggled with fluency. Both gained valuable skills—and, more importantly, rediscovered their love of reading. Thank you for making reading more than just preparing for a test. You've helped restore joy and confidence, and I am truly grateful.
My son struggled with reading from an early age, but everything changed when he was placed in Mrs. Bentley’s class. She took the time to understand his individual needs, taught him effective reading strategies, and built his confidence. Her loving, supportive approach helped him enjoy reading, and her impact continues to guide his success even today.
Every Great Story Starts Somewhere – Impact Stories Coming Soon
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Centered On Reading Excellence
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