Structured literacy in Jefferson County

“Once you learn to read, you will forever be free.”

— Frederick Douglass
Students waiting together
Meet our Literacy Mentors

“Not only do I get to see the students grow with reading and literacy, but I get to know them and they get to know me on a personal level. We’re growing together.”

— Ethan, Literacy Mentor
A teacher reading a book to several attentive students
In a decoder’s own words

“I love Decode Project because I am learning to read. I used to hate it. But now I’m not afraid to raise my hand.”

— 4th grade decoder
A student and teacher in the classroom
Our focus

Decode Project prioritizes students most in need of structured literacy.

Young people equipped with literacy and the confidence to believe in themselves and their ideas have the power to transform society.

A student writing at her desk
K–4We reach students who are often overlooked and build a strong literacy foundation, a key to equity.

I love Decode Project because I am learning to read. I used to hate it. But now I’m not afraid to raise my hand.

— 4th grade decoder
A mentor teaching a boy how to read
1-on-1Every student works with a trained Literacy Mentor who gets to know them by name.
1Step one

We train Literacy Mentors

We prepare future educators and community leaders with training in:

A child tracing letters in salt

Evidence-based, multi-sensory Structured Literacy

A student at a desk

Healing-centered care

A student sitting at her desk

Resilience-building

A green plant held in people's hands

Equity centered

Our Literacy Mentors are reimagining a more equitable and effective learning environment. As paid staff, they are trained to collaborate with students and families to build a more inclusive learning community where all students are seen, heard, and given the resources to achieve their personal best. By recruiting future educators to work as Literacy Mentors, we are creating a more equitable future in education.

A woman teaching a boy how to read
A teacher congratulating a student
2Step two

We teach kids to read

Evidence indicates that early structured literacy intervention has immediate and long-lasting positive effects on overall academic achievement.

As students cultivate relationships with their Literacy Mentors, they build resiliency that helps to alleviate frustration. As their reading skills improve so does their confidence, leading to more positive school and home life experiences.

Enroll a student →
3Step three

We develop a network of advocates

We provide workshops, resources, individualized reports, and advocacy support for caregivers, youth-serving organizations, schools, and educators. We ensure that all students have access to the necessary resources to become skilled readers.

  • Workshops
  • Resources
  • Individualized reports
  • Advocacy support
Where we serve

Louisville / Jefferson County, KY

1718 W. Jefferson St.
Louisville, KY 40203
(502) 384-3948
info@decodeproject.com
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