AZ Reads – K-12 Literacy Initiative

Arizona Humanities believes that building strong literacy skills at an early age is essential for building a just and civil society.

About AZ Reads

Arizona Humanities introduces AZ Reads, a new initiative to launch innovative and engaging literacy programs in K-12 schools in Arizona. AZ Reads provides support for literacy programs led by Arizona educators in partnership with K-12 schools and nonprofits that serve Arizona schools. 

Support AZ Reads

Arizona Humanities provides books, program supplies, author visits, and more, for Arizona students. Interested in supporting AZ Reads and youth literacy across Arizona? 

Questions?

Contact Amber McCrary at amccrary@azhumanities.org| 602-257-0335, extension 4

Join the K-12 Listserv!

Interested in receiving updates about AZ Humanities and opportunities for educators? Contact Amber McCrary at amccrary@azhumanities.org to join. 

Call for Proposals

Please check back for the new application on February 1, 2025.

We invite programs proposals that foster literacy in the humanities, including but not limited to  

  • Reading and discussion programs
  • Storytelling and creative writing
  • Peer-to-peer learning and discussion
  • Cultural learning/sharing  

We especially encourage program proposals that incorporate active engagement with students through opportunities for discussion and reflection. Literacy programs can incorporate history, cultural studies, languages other than English, and other humanities disciplines. We will also accept proposals that combine humanities and STEAM disciplines. If you are unsure about whether your program fosters literacy and engages the humanities, please contact us! 

We welcome program proposals from teachers in any discipline, school librarians, community librarians, and administrators. See eligibility below. Literacy programs can target a specific group, class, grade, school, or district.

Arizona Humanities will work with K-12 partners to ensure the success of the literacy programs. We will communicate with K-12 partners regarding the progress of a program and provide support as needed, e.g., inviting guest authors, ordering books, etc. At the conclusion of the program, staff will reach out for a final follow-up to assess impact outcomes via email or phone. 

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