YMCA OF THE CHESAPEAKE PARTNERS WITH CAMPAIGN FOR GRADE-LEVEL READING TO BOOST LITERACY IN DORCHESTE

YMCA OF THE CHESAPEAKE PARTNERS WITH CAMPAIGN FOR GRADE-LEVEL READING TO BOOST LITERACY IN DORCHESTER COUNTY

(February 26, 2025 ) – Cambridge, Md.– The Pauline F. and W. David Robbins Family YMCA is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the Dorchester County Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, taking on the role of backbone agency to enhance literacy rates among young readers in Dorchester County. Working hand-in-hand with the John and Janice Wyatt Foundation, Dorchester County Public Schools and over 20 key community partners, this underscores the Y's ongoing commitment to addressing key community needs through collaboration.

Reading proficiency by the end of third grade is a critical milestone in a child's educational development, serving as a key predictor of future academic success and high school graduation. Dorchester County currently ranks 21st of 24 counties in third grade reading proficiency in the State of Maryland. Recent assessments have highlighted the need for focused intervention.

Through this partnership, the Robbins Family YMCA aims to address these challenges by implementing targeted kindergarten readiness strategies, decreasing chronic absenteeism, enhancing and expanding literacy programs, engaging families, mobilizing community resources to support young readers and increasing access to - and quality of - out-of-school time activities. The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading focuses on ensuring that children from low-income families succeed in school and graduate prepared for college, a career, and active citizenship.

As the backbone agency, the Y will coordinate efforts among various stakeholders, including: The John and Janice Wyatt Foundation, Dorchester County Public Schools, The Chamber of Commerce, Moving Dorchester Forward, and other community organizations.

Together these partners will work to create a cohesive strategy aimed at improving reading outcomes. This initiative aligns with the Y's broader mission to strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

"We are honored to lead this vital initiative," said Robbie Gill, CEO of the YMCA of the Chesapeake. "By working together with the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and our local partners, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children in Dorchester County, setting them on a path to lifelong success."

“I am excited about the YMCA accepting the call to be the backbone agency for the Campaign for Grade Level Reading. They have played an important role in the campaign partnership which makes them a great fit for the cause. This transition is the next step for the coalition, and I look forward to it,” said Charlene Jones, Director of Programs, John & Janice Wyatt Foundation.

This partnership represents the latest effort by the YMCA of the Chesapeake to collaborate with local nonprofits to serve communities within its service area. By uniting resources and expertise, the Y and its partners are committed to creating a brighter future for all children in the region.