When a child learns to read,
a community succeeds.

Whose responsibility is it to
ensure a child reads?

With crowded classrooms, working parents and school resources stretched, responsibility does not sit squarely on any one set of shoulders. It must be shared among every role model in a child's life.

Consistently, LINC demonstrates that when we link together the existing resources within every community, when we give our time, support and attention, we are able to replace childhood frustration and doubt for confidence and self-esteem.

In doing so, we become better parents and educators, better youth, better neighbors and communities.

With your participation and support, a shared commitment and The LINC Model, our children will be better able to succeed in school and in life.


LINC is on the verge of changing the literacy landscape in New York. By learning to set powerful targets and track achievement, LINC will continue to enhance the lives of hundreds of children and parents.

-John La Rocca, Vice President, The Rensselaerville Institute

The Community Cycle

The Child Reads: 10,000 one-on-one reading hours; over 7,000 children served.

The Community Engages: 500 parents, 57 schools, 7 libraries, and 25 CBOs/community centers in 9 high-need communities.

The Child Succeeds: More than 75% improve their guided reading levels through our Teen Tutor Reading Partner Program. One-third of teen tutors increase their own independent reading time and two-thirds feel more confident in school.

The Community Benefits:

  • Teens read more to their siblings and other children.
  • Parents are empowered to become organizers and advocates for early literacy development.
  • Reading is Everywhere: local businesses, apartment lobbies, laundromats, health centers, and parks.