Fuller Center is seeing extraordinary early results from its new Literacy Intervention Program, funded through a $200,000 two-year grant from the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. The initiative is designed to help students who are reading below grade level build foundational skills and accelerate academic progress.
The program utilizes evidence-based curriculum from the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) and is delivered in small-group settings during Fuller Center’s Out-of-School Time programming. Students identified as needing additional reading support receive targeted instruction focused on phonics, decoding, fluency, and comprehension.
Why Reading Proficiency Matters
Reading proficiency by third grade is widely recognized as one of the strongest predictors of long-term academic success.
- Students not reading on grade level by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school.
- National assessment data shows reading scores fell to their lowest levels in decades following COVID-19 disruptions.
- In many communities, more than one-third of elementary students remain below grade-level proficiency in reading, with recovery still lagging pre-pandemic benchmarks.
Fuller Center saw these challenges firsthand. Many students served through the organization had not fully recovered academically post-COVID, particularly in reading.
Measurable, Meaningful Results
The first cohort of approximately 50 students recently completed the inaugural cycle of the program. The outcomes were remarkable:
- 150% average increase in reading skills
- Measurable gains in decoding, fluency, and comprehension
- Increased student confidence and classroom engagement
A second cohort is now progressing through the same structured intervention, with expectations for similar measurable growth.
Beyond the data, the emotional impact has been equally powerful. Students beamed with pride as they received program completion certificates — seeing firsthand how hard work leads to improvement and reward.
“Thank you so much for helping me. You made my grades go up by helping me sound out words. I got a higher grade on my diagnostic, and my New Year’s dream came true because of UFLI. Thank you so much!”
Innovation in Action
Fuller Center CEO Eric Roby emphasized that the program reflects the organization’s long-standing commitment to innovation and responsiveness to community needs.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Community Foundation to deliver this critical literacy intervention. Fuller Center has built its reputation as a leader in early childhood education and out-of-school time programming by remaining innovative and responsive to the needs of our community. We recognized that many of our students were still struggling academically following COVID disruptions, particularly in reading. This program is already demonstrating measurable, meaningful results. It reinforces that with strong community support and targeted intervention, every child can reach their full potential.”
Looking Ahead
As the second cohort progresses, Fuller Center remains focused on expanding impact and strengthening outcomes. Early literacy intervention is one of the most powerful tools available to change a child’s academic trajectory.
Through strategic partnerships, evidence-based curriculum, and strong community investment, Fuller Center continues its 55-year legacy of ensuring children and families have access to the tools they need to succeed.
