A Literacy Solution
Millions of children and adults across the United States cannot read, limiting academic success, employment opportunity, economic stability, and increasing risk of criminal activity. These gaps contribute to higher crime rates and reduced safety in our communities.
Read in 40 is a proven literacy-acceleration program that helps childrean and adults reach functional or grade-level proficiency in as few as 40 hours or less. The program delivers rapid, measurable gains that expand opportunity, strengthen families, and support safer, more stable communities.
We’ve built clear pathways to put Read in 40 into the hands of millions who need it most, and we are actively expanding them.
Through trained instructors and educators, in-person and online courses, printed and digital workbooks, and the development of a Read in 40 app and digital edutainment series, we are preparing to reach learners wherever they are.
Now we need partners to help bring these pathways fully to life and scale them with speed and impact.
Take the pledge to help end America’s silent literacy crisis and partner with Read in 40 to bring proven solutions to scale. Join us by signing up as a Read in 40 Partner:
"In 2024, only ≈30 % of 4th-graders scored at or above the “Proficient” level in reading; meaning about 70 % are below that proficiency threshold."
"Students who don’t read proficiently by fourth grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school."
Low literacy is strongly correlated with poverty, lower earnings, limited employment opportunities, and higher social service costs. Source
Literacy crisis (low reading proficiency) is linked to its very high incarceration rate (~968 per 100,000). “If you don’t have literacy and you don’t have an education, you are walking down a path of … criminal activity.” Source
85% of juveniles who interface with the juvenile court system are functionally low-literate (i.e., struggle with basic reading). Source
This isn’t just about education — it’s about community safety, economic strength, and opportunity for all.
Testomonials
Real Results
Read in 40 begins with what works: phonics. Phonics is the traditional foundation of reading that was replaced in many school systems across the country by modern methods that simply haven’t worked.
We’ve always understood the effectiveness of phonics, and Read in 40 builds on that proven foundation.
Developed and refined over 25 years by a dedicated teacher, Rosa Higgs, Read in 40 reimagines how phonics is taught by creating a decoding system that helps even the most struggling learners break through and learn to read with confidence in 40 hours or less.
Jason
Jason, a 6th-grade student, came to Read in 40 reading far below grade level, scoring under 2.5. One of eight children, with four sisters and three brothers, Jason had no family members with a high school diploma. His father and oldest brother were incarcerated, and he was Title I eligible. In the classroom, he was often disruptive and sought constant attention.
After less than 40 hours using the Read in 40 Workbooks and free YouTube lessons, Jason’s reading and vocabulary jumped to the 12th-grade level — a gain of nine grade levels. His behavior improved, he became more focused, and his performance in other subjects rose along with his confidence.
Maria
Maria, a 13-year-old English language learner, entered the program reading below a 2.5 grade level. She lived with her mother and three younger siblings, ages two to five, in a home where English was not spoken. Her father had abandoned the family six years earlier. In school, Maria was quiet, often teased, and struggled to keep up academically.
After less than 40 hours with the Read in 40 Workbooks and free YouTube lessons, Maria reached a 12th-grade reading level with 85% accuracy — a gain of nine grade levels. She became more outgoing, participated in classroom discussions, improved her attendance, and even taught her mother English using the same phonics materials.
Jamal
Jamal, a 6th grader with an IEP for a learning difference, came to Read in 40 reading below a 3.0 grade level. Recently placed in the care of his grandmother along with his two younger sisters, Jamal’s mother lived out of state. Despite being mature, outgoing, and polite, his reading skills were holding him back.
After less than 40 hours using the Read in 40 Workbooks and free YouTube lessons, Jamal reached a 12th-grade reading level and 12th-grade vocabulary — a gain of nine grade levels. He now looks forward to high school, enjoys reading to his sisters, and anticipates joining all regular classes when he begins high school.