MONTEREY COUNTY — South Monterey County students and families are building reading skills and enjoying literacy through a countywide initiative launched this past December by the Read to Me Project.
The program, called Literacy for All, is designed to expand early literacy access, encourage family engagement and make reading a joyful, everyday activity for children.
Its first major activation was the Read for All Winter Reading Challenge, held during the 2025-26 winter break. Students in pre-K-8 were invited to complete 12 reading-based activities using bilingual materials, including reading aloud to a family member, sharing stories with friends or pets, reading outside and exploring recipes or food labels.
“Literacy is not just an education issue — it’s a community responsibility,” said Jason Little, executive director of Read to Me Project. “We want every child in Monterey County to enter kindergarten confident, curious and ready to learn. Literacy for All and the Read for All Winter Challenge are designed to make reading simple, joyful and accessible to every family, no matter where they live or what language they speak at home.”
In South Monterey County, the project has already made a measurable impact in Soledad, Greenfield and King City. Little said the organization has served more than 1,800 elementary students this school year through classroom-based literacy and leadership programs, in which older students build confidence as readers while mentoring younger learners.
“This spring, we are excited to expand our reach even further by launching programming with Mission Union School District in Soledad, strengthening our commitment to joyful reading, strong partnerships and lasting literacy growth across South County,” Little said.
At Arroyo Seco Academy in Greenfield, fifth graders who participated in the Read for All presentation reflected on why reading is fun. Responses included: “Books inspire me to write my own stories,” “Reading helps me imagine new things, which makes me more creative” and “Reading makes my level go up and I feel smarter.”
According to Charlie Orsburn, board chair of Read to Me Project, the initiative builds on the organization’s core mission.
“Jason helps the organization grow its impact while staying rooted in its mission of literacy through relationships,” Orsburn said. “This initiative moves us forward in ensuring all Monterey County children have the tools and encouragement they need to thrive as readers.”
The program distributes bookmarks, challenge materials and bracelets celebrating participation through public schools, preschool programs, clinics, community organizations and local businesses. Students who complete challenges help their classes earn points toward special recognition and rewards, with top-performing classes celebrated for teamwork, creativity and dedication.
“Read for All invites students and families to keep reading habits strong during school breaks, reinforcing that literacy is not just a school activity, but a shared community practice,” Little said. “By combining in-school coaching with accessible, fun reading challenges, we are working to ensure that students across South County experience reading as something they want to do every day, in every way.”
More information about the Literacy for All initiative and the Read for All program is available at readtomeproject.org.
