Advancing Literacy and Social-Emotional Learning in San Mateo County
On October 29, The Big Lift welcomed educators, partners, and community members to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Community Space in Redwood City for the Fall Knowledge Network Convening. The day…
Coming Together for Literacy in San Mateo County
On September 4, 2025, The Big Lift brought partners, families, and community leaders together for a special convening to celebrate the power of working collectively to support literacy for children…
The Big Lift’s Inspiring Summers 2025: Joyful Learning, Confident Readers
Each summer, The Big Lift’s Inspiring Summers program transforms classrooms into vibrant spaces where children discover the joy of learning while building foundational literacy skills. This past summer, that transformation…
Q and A with Caila Parodi, Inspiring Summers Program Director
Inspiring Summers, The Big Lift’s innovative summer program, helps prevent summer learning loss by providing free summer learning opportunities for early elementary students in The Big Lift’s partner districts. We’re…
Bridging the Gap: Preventing Summer Learning Loss
As the school year comes to a close and summer break starts, children everywhere are excited for some time off. But for many students, summer isn’t just a break from…
Literacy and Justice for All: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Symposium
On March 7-8, literacy advocates, educators, and district leaders came together for the Literacy and Justice for All Symposium, hosted by the Oakland Literacy Coalition. Thirty-four representatives from preschools and…
The Big Lift: Making a Difference for Early Literacy in 2024
At The Big Lift, we know that strong reading skills are the foundation of future success. That’s why we’ve spent 2024 deepening our partnerships and expanding our programs to ensure…
Big Lift’s Inspiring Summers 2025: A Decade of Learning and Fun!
We’re thrilled to announce that The Big Lift’s 10th Annual Inspiring Summers Program is open for registration! For the past decade, Inspiring Summers has helped young learners across San Mateo…
New Video Highlights The Big Lift’s Approach
Hot off the press–get to know The Big Lift in our newest video! Research demonstrates a direct correlation between early literacy and later school and life outcomes. The Big Lift…
Sold a Story: Understanding the Story Behind the Science of Reading
Decades of research show that there are specific, evidence-based skills that children can learn that help them become successful readers. Taken together, this research and the teaching strategies informed by…