For the first time since the Campaign launched its Grade-Level Reading Communities Network last year, we are opening up the process for more cities, counties and towns to join. Communities have until April 1 to submit a letter of intent, expressing interest in becoming part of the Network. Each community must then form a cross-sector coalition and develop a Community Solutions Action Plan (CSAP).

 In March 2012, a total of 124 communities submitted CSAPs and joined the Network as charter members. In addition, 102 of those communities decided to compete for the National Civic League’s All-America City Award.

 Since then, this diverse and dedicated Network of communities has been hard at work implementing ambitious plans to address three challenges to students’ reading success that are widespread, consequential, and amenable to community solutions: School Readiness, School Attendance, and Summer Learning. We have begun to see the power of the Network, as communities have started to rely on each other for information, ideas and inspiration.

Momentum is building, as communities work to contribute to the overall goal of the GLR Campaign — by 2020 a dozen states or more will increase by at least 100 percent the number of low-income children reading proficiently by the end of third grade.

This year’s round of applications doesn’t involve an awards process, but all members of the Network can compete for the All-America City Award in 2016 to determine who has made the most progress in addressing these barriers to early literacy.

Are you part of a community that is interested in joining the Network? Read our Frequently Asked Questions for more details on how to apply. Contact Ron Fairchild at 443-986-1275 or ron@smarterlearninggroup.com.