What we heard from Read by 4th’s 2025 Partner Experience Survey
First things first, thank you.
This spring, 208 of you—nonprofit leaders, educators, Reading Captains, librarians, and literacy champions—took the time to complete our annual Partner Experience Survey. That’s the highest response rate we’ve ever had (woohoo!). We see that as a reminder that this work matters, and even more powerfully, that you’re showing up for it.
We promised to report back. So here it is: a look at what our partners say we’re doing well, where they see room for us to grow, and how we’ll improve together.
A Movement in Motion
When we say this is an early literacy movement, we mean it. You confirmed that loud and clear.
91% of you said you feel part of a larger movement.
90% of you said Read by 4th has a clearly defined common agenda.
87% of you said that as a partner, you have a greater understanding of the strengths and gaps of the literacy ecosystem.
85% of you said Read by 4th effectively builds connections between partners.
84% feel energized and ready to advocate for literacy.
79% say you’ve gained a deeper understanding of evidence-based practices like the Science of Reading.
What Partners Told Us
We asked what’s working and what we could do better. And you kept it real. Here’s what stood out:
What’s Working
A Strong Sense of Belonging and Shared Mission. Partners described feeling connected to something bigger than themselves. This shared purpose keeps people engaged, and knowing they’re not alone helps them stay motivated.
High-Quality Resources and Information. From Philly ABCs posters to curated research and timely updates, partners say these tools make it easier to support families and stay in the know.
Meaningful Relationships and Collaboration. Many noted that Read by 4th offers more than just a network, it’s a space to build trust, share ideas, and strengthen partnerships. These connections often lead to deeper community engagement and new opportunities to collaborate.
What Needs Work
More Tutoring and Literacy Support. Partners and Reading Captains pointed out that families need more than just books—they need consistent, personalized literacy support. This reflects a deeper gap in the ecosystem, especially as federal funding shrinks.
Clearer Communication for Reading Captains. Reading Captains want easier, more streamlined ways to learn about materials, events, and opportunities.
Stronger Direction for Shared Work. Some partners are looking for more clarity around goals, roles, and how their individual actions contribute to our collective impact.
Reading Captains: Big Heart, Big Impact
Reading Captains continue to be a force for literacy in every corner of the city.
100 Reading Captains took the 2025 Partner Experience Survey. That’s a whopping 49% of the respondents!
14,958+ parents and caregivers reached by Reading Captains
33,004+ books distributed by Reading Captains
85% say they’re making a real impact on early literacy.
84% feel prepared to share resources with families.
What You Want to See Next and What We’re Doing About It
We asked what you want to see next, and you didn’t hold back. While we have a common agenda and shared work plans, you offered even more focused priorities and bold, forward-looking ideas for where this movement can go. One quote that stood out:
“I think what could be better is shifting toward a bias for action.”
As a collective impact initiative, that hits home. Real change requires real action, and that action can’t rest solely on a five-person backbone team. It takes all of us—partners, caregivers, educators, community leaders—moving in step to bring early literacy to life in every Philly neighborhood.
So, how are we incorporating what we’ve heard? And how are we building on our momentum to spark even greater collective action? Here’s where we’re leaning in, together:
Individual Actions, Collective Impact
We're embedding accountability into our working groups. Each group shares work plans and we’re working to more clearly spotlight the roles individuals and partner organizations can play. We’re also building habits into our meetings—like naming personal takeaways and action steps—so momentum doesn’t stop when the meeting ends.
Addressing High-Impact Tutoring Shortage
You named it: we need more tutoring and more support for older kids (and adults) who are still catching up. We hear you, and we’re committed to finding new ways to meet this need through the Instructional Strategies working group.
More Advocacy
The community mobilization working group is powering our efforts, helping us collaborate with local advocacy organizations, seize opportunities as they arise, and amplify the call for policies that benefit young readers. This year, we’ve launched a new advocacy page, with more tools and resources on the way.
Deeper Support for Reading Captains
Reading Captains are vital to our movement—and we’re investing in their growth. Based on our 2024 strategic plan and your feedback, Read by 4th, Global Citizen, and our regional leads are co-designing major improvements: a new training, a fresh digital portal, and an upgraded operations and communications plan, all rolling out in the coming months. It’s all about ensuring Reading Captains feel prepared, connected, and supported to serve families with confidence.
What We Need From You
This movement isn’t just about literacy. It’s about power, joy, and collective responsibility for the future of our city. And it only works because of you.
You’ve shown up with feedback, ideas, and heart. Now, here’s how you can stay involved:
Keep connecting. Reach out and build relationships with your fellow Read by 4th partners in and outside of meetings.
Attend a working group to help family engagement, community mobilization efforts, advocacy, and more.
Invite others to join the movement. Share this post, bring a friend to a Lunch & Learn, or encourage someone to follow our newsletter.
Together, we’re not just building a movement. We’re building a future where every child in Philly can become the strong reader they deserve to be.
Let’s keep it up!
Onward,
The Read by 4th Team
