UNITING & MOBILIZING
CHURCHES TO ADDRESS
EARLY CHILDHOOD LITERACY

Uniting for the next generation

Lit City envisions a city where churches—historically centers of education and justice—are once again on the front lines of academic empowerment.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

The AND Campaign is launching LIT City (Literacy in the City)—a citywide initiative mobilizing Atlanta churches to address one of our community’s most urgent needs: early childhood literacy. In partnership with schools, nonprofits, and local congregations, LIT City aims to ensure every child in Atlanta reads proficiently by third grade—a key milestone for lifelong success.

THE NEED

In Atlanta, nearly two-thirds of third graders aren’t reading at grade level—a crisis that hits hardest in low-income and Black and Brown communities. In these neighborhoods, the Church remains one of the most trusted and stable institutions, uniquely positioned to help close the literacy gap.

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PROGRAM STRATEGY

Regional Church Collaboratives

Lit City will empower churches in targeted regions to launch and support literacy programs. Each regional team will:

Share resources and volunteers
Coordinate programming schedules (after-school or in-school)
Collaborate with existing literacy efforts in their area

Support Existing Programs

Lit City partners with churches and nonprofits already engaged in literacy work. Rather than duplicate efforts, we help grow what exists—offering support that expands capacity, boosts visibility, and deepens impact in the community.

Launch Literacy Hubs

For churches not currently engaged in literacy work, Lit City offers the tools, training, and support needed to launch new programs. These efforts can take place after school within church spaces or during school hours in collaboration with local schools—flexible to the needs and opportunities of each community.

how you can get involved:

CHURCH PARTNER

Get involved as a church committed to improving childhood literacy in Atlanta. Whether you're looking to launch a new literacy hub or grow an existing one, Lit City provides the support, training, and partnership you need to make a lasting impact.

LITERACY PROGRAM PARTNER

Already leading a literacy program in Atlanta or on staff at a school? You don’t have to do it alone. If your organization or school is serving children through reading support and needs more volunteers, funding, or help connecting with families—Lit City is here to support you.

We partner with local programs and schools to strengthen what’s already working—offering tools, resources, and relationships to help you expand your reach and deepen your impact.

Whether you need hands, dollars, or strategic guidance, Lit City can help you take the next step.

VOLUNTEER

Join LIT City as a volunteer and help change the literacy landscape in Atlanta—one child at a time. Whether you’re reading with students after school, supporting in the classroom, or helping behind the scenes, your time can make a lasting impact. No teaching experience needed—just a willing heart and a desire to serve.

Let’s build a brighter future—together.