Fuller Center proudly celebrated the achievements of students across both our East and West campuses during two special graduation ceremonies honoring the completion of this year’s UFLI program.
The University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) program, funded for Fuller Center through a grant by the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, is an afterschool literacy initiative designed to help students strengthen foundational reading skills through individualized instruction and targeted support. Throughout the school year, participating students worked closely with educators and mentors in our Out-of-School-Time programming to build confidence and improve essential literacy skills that will support long-term academic success.
Fuller Center saw tremendous growth in early literacy skills for both kindergarten and first grade students following their involvement in UFLI intervention. In first grade (18 students), reading accuracy increased dramatically from 53% to 112%, while the average number of words read correctly rose from 10 to 31, demonstrating significant improvement in fluency and accuracy. Similarly, the kindergarten group (29 students) showed substantial gains in foundational skills, with phonological awareness increasing from 13.1 to 53.18 and vocabulary from 4.41 to 16.07. Overall, both charts highlight how targeted intervention led to meaningful progress across grade levels, with students improving in both basic language skills and reading performance.
For Danielle St. Julien, who helps lead our UFLI program, “This program is tailored to meet each child where they are academically.”
From phonics and letter recognition to reading fluency and comprehension, UFLI helps students develop the tools they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Jaiden Shannon, a second-generation Fuller Center attendee, has been part of the Fuller Center family since he was a newborn. Over the years, we have witnessed his growth, curiosity, and increasing independence. In January 2026, Jaiden joined the UFLI literacy program and quickly began seeing incredible results, with his reading score increasing from a 3 to a 5 in just one semester.
Since participating in the program, I have noticed improvement in his reading skills, confidence, and overall comprehension. 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. We truly appreciate the support and positive impact the program has had on his academic progress
Courtney’e Shannon, mother of Jaidan Shannon
The graduation ceremonies served as a meaningful celebration of the hard work, determination, and growth demonstrated by every student throughout the year. Each student being honored reached a certification as a token to symbolize all of their hard work.
Families, teachers, and staff gathered to recognize the progress each child made and to applaud the dedication they showed during the program. For many students, the UFLI program represents more than academic support — it provides encouragement, confidence, and a safe environment where they are empowered to grow as learners. Watching students blossom over the course of the year has been incredibly rewarding for everyone involved.
At Fuller Center, we remain committed to providing enriching educational opportunities that help children reach their full potential. Programs like UFLI play an important role in ensuring students receive the personalized support they need to succeed academically and build a strong foundation for the future.
We are so proud of all of our graduates and look forward to seeing their continued success in the classroom and beyond.
