Decode Project, Inc

Our mission is to foster a diverse and equitable community of learners prepared to navigate the world. Decode Project was founded on the belief that ALL individuals should have fair access to the opportunities afforded by a well-rounded education, and that literacy is a starting point for improving academic, professional, social-emotional, and general health outcomes. We envision a world where ALL children have the resources and support to become successful readers and leaders. We pursue that vision by providing free and affordable 1-to-1 literacy mentoring to students with symptoms of dyslexia and/or other language-based learning differences and are working toward grade level proficiency. We place a strong emphasis on creating equity in education for students of color and students from families with low-socioeconomic backgrounds. Reading is an essential skill for academic achievement as well as personal growth and development. It is our belief that literacy is a key to improving our community as a whole. We must prepare ALL children to confidently follow their natural curiosities and passions in life so they can grow up to educate, understand, inspire, and transform the world around them. This begins with the ability to read. DP seeks to assist students who are learning to read so that they can successfully read to learn. We also train Reading Mentors, educators and institutions in cross-cultural competencies, trauma-informed care, ACEs and the impact on the brains of young learners, and how to create and institutionalize best practices and policies that foster a greater understanding and disruption of systems with implicit bias imbedded. In addition to providing these trainings to schools and staff, we require that our board members, staff, and volunteers are trained in all of the above. DP is dedicated to supporting families affected by inequities in education, providing resources, know-how and research as families advocate for themselves.