CEI’s Read to Lead (RTL) is a dynamic digital platform that promotes literacy by placing students in virtual leadership roles, helping them develop decision-making skills through engaging, job-related reading tasks. The program creates a powerful bridge between literacy, character, life skills, and career exploration.
This year, RTL saw continued success across a range of educational settings. During Summer Rising 2024, nearly 80 students across three different extended learning programs in New York City actively used RTL. Leaders of Tomorrow Middle School adopted RTL for their afterschool program throughout the 2024–2025 school year, providing students with consistent access to rich, interactive learning experiences.
In addition, CEI introduced Read to Lead to Bay Ridge Catholic Academy, where it was implemented during the school day across six middle school classrooms. Students engaged deeply with RTL’s career series and explored key characters, decision points, and workplace simulations. They also strengthened their abilities in thoughtful reading, responsible decision-making, and self-monitoring.
The success of this pilot affirms the unique impact of RTL, as it provides students with structured, standards-based exposure to career-related literacy and real-world problem-solving, guided by certified educators. For many, these are experiences not typically encountered in traditional classroom settings.
Class Highlight: One CEI-supported sixth-grade after-school group read over 430,000 words, spent 60 hours on RTL, and made more than 1,000 decisions in just four months—a powerful testament to both engagement and program depth.
In Birmingham, Alabama, CEI’s RTL outreach also made important strides. In Bessemer City Schools, the program served approximately 80–85 students throughout the year. Meanwhile, schools in Tarrant and Fairfield are poised to launch RTL this summer, with plans to expand during the upcoming school year.
Looking ahead, CEI’s Read to Lead team is excited to support Summer 2025 programs in New York City and continue growing our reach in Birmingham and beyond. Across all locations, students are developing literacy, leadership, and life skills that will serve them for years to come.
