A Graduation Worth Celebrating

Seventeen young readers honored

At a recent graduation ceremony and celebration, 17 first grade students were recognized for completing the Children and Parents Reading Together (CPRT), a multi-year literacy journey. CPRT begins in pre-K and continues through first grade, with a strong focus on parent engagement and at-home reading routines. At the graduation celebration – which was made especially meaningful through the financial support of “Shine Like Sandy Initiative” – each student received a certificate of achievement and an educational tablet to encourage continued learning at home. 

Students completing the CPRT program came from 10 schools: Avalon Elementary, Corkscrew Elementary, Estates Elementary, Everglades City School, Lely Elementary, Manatee Elementary, Naples Park Elementary, Parkside Elementary, Tommie Barfield Elementary and Veterans Memorial Elementary.

 Over the course of the three-year program, participating students and families have achieved meaningful outcomes, including:

• Each child builds a home library of approximately 84 brand-new books at no cost to the family. Consistent access to books supports daily reading habits and long-term literacy development.

• Students show significant academic growth. Program data indicates CPRT participants went from 27% scoring at the proficiency level to 83% scoring at the proficiency level. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of CPRT students advanced their reading scores to grade level or above by the end of the year.

• Families play an active role throughout the program. Parents attend and participate in every session alongside their child, reinforcing learning at home and strengthening family engagement in education.

• The program’s virtual model removes common barriers such as transportation, scheduling, and childcare, allowing families to participate and remain consistently engaged over time.

The CPRT program is primarily funded through the generous support of community partners and funders, including the Shine Like Sandy Initiative, Naples Children’s Foundation (NCF), St. John’s Outreach Mission, and other local donors.

---

About Literacy Collier

Since 1984, Literacy Collier has created opportunity through literacy, helping families, the workforce, and Collier County thrive together. The organization partners with parents, workers, and community members to break down language barriers and build confidence in communication. Through proven programs and compassionate guidance, Literacy Collier empowers adults and families to connect, contribute, and belong. When parents read, children thrive, and when families learn together, the whole community grows stronger.