Reading Works was incubated under the leadership of the Detroit Free Press Charities, and former Publisher Paul Anger, with the recognition that dramatically low literacy rates in metro-Detroit were holding our region back.

Reading Works was formed as an umbrella organization to bring awareness to these issues and to support the work of community-based organizations. We identify the most effective adult education service providers in the community and collaborate with local employers to turn foundational skills training into real workforce opportunities.

Since 2013, our partners have formed a cohesive provider network serving approximately 4,000 adult learners. Our mission is to increase workforce-readiness in the Detroit region by reducing barriers to foundational education.