Arkansas Kids Read
According to research nearly 7 in 10 fourth graders in Arkansas are reading below their grade level. Of those reading below grade level 65% of them will drop out of high school and end up in poverty or the prison systems. AR Kids read is helping to change those statistics one child at a time. They provide once-a-week literacy tutoring to help children in Pulaski County schools learn to read at grade level. The Victory Over Violence Differences Makers campaign’s goal is to recognize and donate to organizations that are helping stop violence in the community. AR Kids Read is doing just that by educating a younger generation and helping reduce the illiteracy rates that so often contribute to violence in our city.
The Difference Makers award is in conjunction with the Victory Over Violence campaign launched by KARK Channel 4 and Fox 16. Once a month, Rainwater, Holt & Sexton presents a $1,000 donation to an organization fighting violence in the community and has established themselves as a true Difference Maker. The partnership goal is to create a safer Central Arkansas by uniting community groups promoting change through improvements in education, jobs, mentoring, and hunger.