One book can change a life.

How the Read to Succeed program works.

Read to Succeed was created to address the achievement gap head-on. By encouraging the crucial activity of summer reading, this innovative program helps underprivileged students to keep from falling behind and encourages them, through scholarships, to focus on attending college. There is no opportunity like Read to Succeed in Rhode Island that delivers such an effective and connected dual impact for students and their families. Read to Succeed remains free to students, parents and schools. The Papitto Foundation continues to fund all administrative expenses so that 100% of your philanthropy produces a direct benefit to Read to Succeed scholars.

Read to Succeed has learned through post-program surveys and direct interaction with students, parents, grandparents and educators, that the Read to Succeed program provides a powerful opportunity for low-income students and is often the first hope for college for these students. This unique program instills a sense of academic drive and direction, and a feeling of accomplishment.

How the Read to Succeed program works.

• Participating students are given a broad list of books selected by the teachers. Each student chooses six books — provided at no cost — that he/she agrees to read over the summer.

• Upon completion of each book, the student takes an online comprehension exam. 

• Each student who passes all six tests is awarded with a $1,000 account in Rhode Island's Collegebound Saver — the state’s tax-advantaged 529 college savings program governed by the Office of the Rhode Island General Treasurer.

• Three schools serving low-income, predominantly minority South Providence families are our dedicated partners: Bishop McVinney Elementary School, a Roman Catholic diocesan school; Community Preparatory School, an independent school; and Highlander Charter School, a public elementary school.

• Students are eligible to enroll for six consecutive summers, adding $1,000 each year to their scholarship account, for up to $6,000 before they enter high school. This investment, with compounding interest, provides a strong financial incentive to achieve academic success in high school and reach their college goals.