Read to Lead
Empowering Parents as Literacy Partners
Read to Lead takes us beyond advocacy into action. As part of our SF Kids Can’t Wait campaign, this program equips families to become true partners in their children’s literacy journey—while also building their power to push for better outcomes across all public schools.
We’ve brought Read to Lead to four high-priority elementary schools, reaching over 120 parents in a three-part workshop series. Each series consists of three 1.5-hour sessions designed to equip parents with practical strategies, stronger connections to their schools, and a deeper understanding of how to support learning and lead change.
Our Partner Schools:
Every child deserves to learn to read. Every parent deserves to know how to help.
Parent Agency
This program was born from what we heard over and over again from parents—“I want to help, but I don’t know how.” Too many parents feel left out of conversations about how their kids learn to read. Read to Lead changes that.
Parent Knowledge
When families understand how reading is taught and get the tools to support learning at home, they become powerful advocates – not just for their own children, but for every public school student in SFUSD.
The Impact
Families receive books and materials, are provided with ongoing support from our team, and in many cases, they keep meeting even after the series ends. Some are stepping into leadership roles through SF Parents to shape literacy policy citywide.
Parent Voices
I learned how to support my children with reading, discovered resources, and connected with other parents, Now I feel more confident helping my kids every day-and encouraging them to show up just like I did. They saw Mommy learning something new, and now they know they can too!
Read to Lead Graduate from Tenderloin Community School
Read to Lead bridges the gap between home and school, honoring families as their child’s first teachers and giving them the tools, space, and confidence to support reading in everyday life. When families feel respected and included, they show up read to engage-not just in literacy, but in shaping their school communities.
Lila Nelson, SF Parents member
What’s Next
We’re just getting started. We’re expanding Read to Lead to more schools—doubling our reach and impact.
Interested in bringing Read to Lead to your school?