Our Program
“To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.”
“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”
Who We Are
At Azura Literacy, we are passionate about children’s literacy because we know it can break the cycle of poverty and empower kids with knowledge and opportunities. We are Unlocking Potential, One Page at a Time!
Azura Literacy is an initiative of Azura that began in 2014 as the 12 Books Program, a summer reading initiative that distributed free books to children in low-income communities to increase their book access over the summer break. Over ten years, the 12 Books Program distributed over 100,000 books to thousands of children in Mesa, AZ through distribution events at Title I schools.
In 2020, in response to the school shutdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic, we created a virtual reading program for elementary students. The virtual program was so successful with our pilot groups that we continued it after the shutdowns ceased, and it grew into what Azura Literacy is today.
We believe every child deserves a bright future!
What We Do
Azura Literacy is a free virtual reading program for elementary students in which a caring, vetted, trained adult meets with a child through Zoom one-on-one twice a week to tutor them in reading. Students are given pre- and post-assessments to determine needs and measure growth, and tutors use digital children’s libraries and interactive tools to guide students in engaging, individualized reading practice. This helps them improve their reading skills, confidence, and motivation and make gains toward reading proficiently.
Our program's innovative design offers additional benefits for the children’s families. Students participate in reading sessions from home in the afternoon and evening, creating opportunities for parents/guardians and younger siblings to be involved in the sessions as well. This also eliminates barriers for students who are not able to stay for after-school programs.
Students participating in Azura Literacy also receive free access to a digital children's library with thousands of books they can read anytime, increasing book access for entire households and promoting independent and family reading time.
Who We Serve
Children in our program live all over Arizona. Our focus is on serving kids who are in foster/out-of-home care or in low-income, under-resourced communities. We partner with Title I schools, DCS, and other community organizations to reach families in need of our services and help them enroll. Through our partners at Compudopt, families are able to receive free computers and assistance with low-cost/free internet connectivity, removing the technology barrier for students needing tutoring.
If you are a community organization wanting to share this information with clients or a parent wanting to enroll a child in the program, please contact us for more information.
Client Stories
“She improved her reading very much but what was so awesome was that she was also motivated to read and would pick up a book on her own with no prompting. She reads every sign while driving and she is in the First Reading Group in her class as she is doing so well! Thank you for your kind and patient Mentors! They have made all the difference! I have enrolled 2 other children as well and will always as this program is such a success for the children!”
“Now he likes reading more, he does it more fluently and his reading at school has improved, now he can understand what he is reading and that excites him. We are very grateful, it has served my children a lot and the best thing is that they like it... Thank you!!”
“My son has improved his reading score by 16 points this year. For him that’s unheard of. His mentor is very engaging and is always willing to discuss the books. This has helped my son have an interest in reading.”
“I want to thank your team for your services over the last several months… Between her work at school and her time with her reading mentor, my daughter has moved from only reading three-letter words to third grade appropriate words since August. Most of her grades have moved from ‘areas of concern’ to either improving or satisfactory and her mindset has changed from ‘I’m not going to college’ to ‘I think I’ll go to college.’ ”
ALLYSE HAZELTINE
Executive Director