After-school initiative delivers dramatic gains in student literacy through partnership with the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
Fuller Center is celebrating significant reading gains among students participating in its new Literacy Intervention Program, an after-school initiative designed to help struggling readers build foundational literacy skills and confidence. Funded through a partnership with the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, the program served nearly 100 students during its first year and produced measurable academic growth across all grade levels.
Developed using research-based strategies from the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI), the program provided small-group instruction three to four times per week for students identified as needing additional reading support. The results demonstrate substantial progress and highlight the importance of targeted intervention for children who continue to face academic challenges following the pandemic. The results exceeded original expectations and demonstrate the effectiveness of evidence-based reading interventions for students who need additional academic support.
“Strong reading skills are one of the most important predictors of long-term academic success,” said Eric Roby, CEO of Fuller Center. “Many children continue to face learning gaps that emerged during and after the pandemic. Thanks to the partnership and investment of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, we have been able to provide individualized support that is changing academic trajectories and helping students build confidence in their ability to learn and succeed.”
The program recently celebrated its first graduating class during ceremonies held at Fuller Center’s East and West campuses. Funded through a two-year, $200,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, the initiative exceeded its original goal of serving 80 students, ultimately providing literacy intervention services to 94 children.
Program outcomes included:
• First-grade students increased the number of words read correctly by 210%.
• Students in grades 2 through 5 increased words read correctly by 98%.
• Kindergarten students improved phonological awareness by 282%.
• Kindergarten students increased vocabulary scores by 243%.
Students were grouped by grade level and academic need to ensure instruction was targeted, and outcomes could be measured effectively.
“This program is tailored to meet each child where they are academically,” said Danielle St. Julien, Fuller Center’s Curriculum Director. “From phonics and letter recognition to reading fluency and comprehension, we’re giving students the tools they need to become confident readers and successful learners.”
For families, the impact has been both measurable and personal.
Jaidan Shannon, a second-generation Fuller Center participant who has attended Fuller Center programs since infancy, joined the literacy intervention program in January 2026. In just one semester, his reading score improved from a 3 to a 5.
“Since participating in the program, I have noticed improvement in his reading skills, confidence, and overall comprehension,” said Courtney’e Shannon, Jaidan’s mother. “The structured approach and consistent practice have helped him become more engaged with his assignments and more comfortable completing schoolwork independently. It has also provided him with strategies that support his learning both in and outside of the classroom.”
Teachers have also observed significant growth among participants.
One classroom teacher shared, “He read the book to me perfectly. He was very proud of himself, as am I,” highlighting the confidence students are gaining alongside their academic progress.
The graduation ceremonies brought together families, teachers, and staff to celebrate student achievement. Each participant received a certificate recognizing their commitment, perseverance, and growth throughout the year.
Building on the success of the program’s first year, Fuller Center plans to launch the second year of the literacy intervention initiative in September 2026. Through the continued support of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Fuller Center once again aims to serve more than 80 children who are reading below or at grade level and provide the individualized instruction needed to strengthen literacy skills and long-term academic success.
“At Fuller Center, we remain committed to helping every child reach their full potential,” said Roby. “When a child learns to read confidently, new opportunities open for the rest of their educational journey. The results from this first year demonstrate what is possible when evidence-based instruction, dedicated educators, and community investment come together. We look forward to expanding this impact and helping even more children become successful readers in the year ahead.”
ABOUT FULLER CENTER
For 55 years, Fuller Center has embraced, educated, and empowered hardworking, under-resourced families across South Florida. Serving more than 1,000 children annually—from infants through teens—and supporting over 700 families across more than 60 ZIP codes in Palm Beach and Broward counties, Fuller Center provides affordable, high-quality early education, private elementary education, out-of-school programs, teen leadership development, and family support services. Each year, the organization provides more than 430,000 meals and snacks to help children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
