What Is Being Done to Address Literacy Challenges in Western New York

What Is Being Done to Address Literacy Challenges in Western New York

From What’s Next? by BTPM NPR

May 18, 2026 · 55 min · Episode 347

About this episode

Anne Ryan discusses literacy challenges and initiatives in Western New York.

Early literacy plays a critical role in a child’s long-term success, and organizations across Western New York are working to strengthen reading skills from an early age. On this episode of What’s Next?, Anne Ryan, Executive Director of Read to Succeed Buffalo, discusses the importance of teaching reading from birth through third grade and the impact of programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. She also highlights the success of the Experience Corps tutoring program, where volunteers work one-on-one with students in Buffalo and Niagara Falls to help improve reading outcomes and build confidence.

People in this episode

Guest: Anne Ryan

Topics covered

  • literacy
  • education
  • tutoring
  • child development
  • community programs

Keywords

  • literacy
  • reading skills
  • early education
  • tutoring programs
  • community initiatives

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Read to Succeed Buffalo, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Experience Corps

Places: Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Western New York

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