READ Foundation, Inc.READ Foundation, Inc.Reading Empowers All Dreams
LITERACY TODAY. POSSIBILITIES TOMORROW.

Open a book.
Build a dream.

Every child deserves stories that spark curiosity, reflect who they are, and show them who they can become.

READ (Reading Empowers All Dreams) Foundation, Inc. connects literacy with leadership, STEM, and real-world career possibilities.

Akilah Darden sharing a book with children during storytime
A story today.A world of possibility tomorrow.
READIMAGINEDISCOVERBUILDDREAM
OUR PURPOSE

Big futures begin
with small pages.

01 / MISSION

Ignite a lifelong love of reading.

We increase access to books for children, families, and communities; empower voices so every child can see themselves reflected in literature; and use literacy as a gateway to leadership and opportunity.

02 / VISION

Every child, dreaming boldly.

We envision a future where every child, irrespective of their background, has the confidence, resources, and motivation to pursue their dreams through literacy. By fostering a love for reading, we inspire the next generation to achieve their fullest potential.

OUR INDIANA INITIATIVE

One book.
Every school library.
Unlimited dreams.

Indiana School Library Impact Campaign

Our goal is to place one copy of My Mom is a Construction Manager™ in every K–12 school library across Indiana by December 31, 2026.

Part of our Indiana Literacy + Workforce Pipeline Initiative, the campaign connects reading with construction management, architecture, engineering, STEM, project management, and the skilled trades.

Read the full initiative (PDF)
92Indiana counties
1 bookIn every school library — our goal
$50,000Estimated statewide investment

Campaign investment is based on $20 per book plus shipping. These figures describe our campaign goals, not completed distributions.

Cover of My Mom is a Construction ManagerSpanish edition cover: Mi mamá es una gerente de construcción
THE STORY THAT STARTS IT ALL

“If you can see me,
you can be me.”

Written by Akilah W. Darden and her four children, My Mom is a Construction Manager™ helps young readers imagine themselves as the people who build our world.

Available in English and Spanish, the book brings career awareness into a story children and families can share.

HOW READING BECOMES POSSIBILITY

Access. Connection. Discovery.

01

Access to books

Bring stories into school and public libraries, making books available where children learn and gather.

02

Literacy integration

Support vocabulary, reading comprehension, and guided discussion through story-based learning and an optional educator guide.

03

Workforce exposure

Introduce construction and STEM careers early, connecting classroom reading with real-world opportunities.

Explore our program vision

Blueprint Book Club
Encouraging younger children to discover a love for reading.

Hard Hats & Storytime
Interactive pop-up reading experiences connected to real-world themes.

Dream Builders Literacy Kits
Reading resources for classrooms and homes.

Family R.E.A.D. Nights
Bringing families together through shared literacy experiences.

Future initiative phases include classroom and library reading sessions, virtual or in-person engagement, and in-school STEM activities.

HELP WRITE THE NEXT CHAPTER

Build the future.
One library
at a time.

Sponsor a school, a county, multiple counties, or the statewide campaign. Together, we can put possibility within reach.

Start a sponsorship conversation

There’s a place for you in this story.

  • Sponsor access. Help place books in school libraries.
  • Make an introduction. Connect us with corporate partners, community foundations, and education foundations.
  • Connect schools and libraries. Introduce district leaders, superintendents, and librarians.
  • Build a partnership. Collaborate as a workforce, STEM, or literacy advocate.
Explore our foundation pitch deck (PDF)