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Giving back through life-changing experiences.
Giving back through life-changing experiences.
The Dexter and Lydia Manley Foundation’s mission is to defend the right to read for students in Washington, DC by leveraging the experience of former NFL player Dexter Manley to raise funds for local literacy nonprofits. We carefully vet our nonprofit partners, so funds are directed to programs with proven outcomes. Working together, we are SACKING illiteracy in Washington, DC.
Our vision is that all children in Washington, DC have access to literacy resources and opportunities to read. When children learn to read, they are forever free to achieve their goals, ensuring our next generation, even those with the fewest resources, are prepared to succeed in school and life.
Eight out of ten DC public school students enter high school reading below grade level. Only 23% of DC 8th graders are reading at a proficient level or above. Almost half of all kids (43%) aren't reading at a basic level by the time they get to 4th grade.
Our literacy partner, Reach Incorporated, works one-on-one with more than 700 DC students through four programs designed to develop confident readers and capable leaders.