Informing the Community
By raising awareness of our city’s pervasive literacy problem and creating a more unified, comprehensive plan of action, together, we are finding solutions to change lives and ensure our city thrives.
Houston’s Literacy Crisis: A Blueprint for Community Action
In 2013, the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation convened more than 100 cross-sector leaders across our city to understand the extent of our literacy problems and unite around a unified plan for helping more children and adults acquire the literacy skills necessary for success in school, work and life, and to make Houston a stronger, more vibrant city. The culmination of this effort was "Houston's Literacy Crisis: A Blueprint for Community Action."
“For the region's economy to continue its strong growth, it will be critical that we work to improve educational attainment, and that begins with enhanced literacy at all levels.”
— Bob Harvey, Greater Houston Partnership President
A Celebration of Reading
A Celebration of Reading is our signature event in which we inform, inspire, and entertain guests with bestselling authors and stories of our impact in the community. Thanks to a partnership with KPRC 2, a special television production also broadens visibility and impact of A Celebration of Reading. Proceeds advance our programs and resources.
"Maria and I have been proud to chair A Celebration of Reading since 2013. We have been overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of the many authors who have given freely of their time and talent and the families and companies who have invested in the literacy cause through their sponsorship."
— Neil Bush, Co-founder and Chairman
Houston’s Adult Literacy Blueprint
A startling 1 in 3 adults in Harris County is functionally illiterate. That is why we partnered with the Mayor's Office for Adult Literacy in 2021 to commission the development of a strategic plan, called “Houston's Adult Literacy Blueprint.” The plan aims to assure that more adults in our city have equity of access to the programs and resources they need to acquire the literacy skills needed to fully engage in our workforce and participate in society.
“Thanks to the Foundation and their partnership with the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, we now have a first-ever, strategic plan of action to ensure that more adults gain the literacy skills they need to engage, fully in our society, support their families, and participate in the workforce.”
—Sylvester Turner, City of Houston Mayor
News
We invite you to explore our press releases to discover in-depth information about our impactful community engagement.