READ serves students in kindergarten and first grade who have been identified as struggling with learning to read.  Teachers recommend these students for participation in READ based on classroom observations, formal assessments, and parent input.  READ schools are chosen based upon the needs of their students (i.e. a significant proportion of students reading below grade level and a significant number of economically disadvantaged students).  Approximately 55% of READ students are male and 45% are female.  Many READ students come from economically disadvantaged households (i.e. approximately 83% qualify for free or reduced school lunch) and are predominately minorities (i.e. approximately 95% Black or Hispanic).  An estimated 25% of READ students are English Language Learners.

Teenagers in the 7th through 12th grades are trained and employed as tutors in READ’s School Year and Summer Reading Programs. Like their younger peers, READ tutors are predominately of Black or of Hispanic origin and come largely from schools that serve a high proportion of students from low-income households. READ tutors are approximately 70% female and 30% male.