NYC Reads Together Literacy Ecosystem Summit

By 2035, all school-aged youth in New York City will be fully literate — able to read, write, listen, and speak in ways that allow them to achieve their goals and develop their knowledge and potential.

The NYC Literacy Ecosystem Roadmap outlines the shared strategy guiding citywide efforts to achieve this goal. It identifies the core solutions that drive literacy outcomes and the conditions needed to sustain progress over time.

The summit is an opportunity to see our strategy in bloom. Join educators, community and library partners, researchers, funders, and district, city, and state leaders from across New York for a day of learning, connection, and collaboration to strengthen how our literacy system supports students and families.

🗓️ Friday, March 13, 2026 🕙 10:00am-4:00pm (optional breakfast at 9:00am)

📍 Lerner Hall, Columbia University | 2920 Broadway, New York, NY, 10025

Agenda at a Glance

Time: 9:00-9:50am
Agenda: Light Breakfast (Optional)

Time: 10:00-11:00am
Agenda: Opening
Opening Remarks
Kamar Samuels, Chancellor of NYC Public Schools, will open the summit reflecting on literacy as a foundation for student success, the momentum catalyzed by NYC Reads, and the opportunity to deepen coordination across the city’s literacy ecosystem.

Keynote Address
Dr. John King will explore the power of literacy at this moment in time and the critical role cross-sector leadership plays in building a more coherent, effective system for students.

Time

11:10-12:00pm

Agenda

Morning Breakout Sessions - Block 1

Participants will select to attend learning sessions led by organizations and networks actively advancing literacy across New York City.

In these sessions, participants will:

Learn about concrete practices, tools, and strategies being implemented across NYC
Explore early wins, challenges, and lessons from literacy improvement efforts
Engage in discussion and reflection with peers across sectors
Provide feedback on emerging approaches and contribute your perspective
Leave with practical ideas you can bring back to your own work

Time: 12:20-1:10pm
Agenda: Lunch and Panel Discussion
This panel brings together JoAnn Simon, New York State Assemblyperson, Ashleigh Thompson, University Dean for Education of the City University of New York, and David Cintron, Superintendent of District 14 to explore how policy, implementation, and leadership must work in concert to achieve New York City’s ambitious 2035 literacy goals.

Time: 1:20-2:10pm
Agenda: Afternoon Breakout Sessions - Block 2
Participants will continue engaging in facilitated sessions with ecosystem partners, exploring strategies and opportunities to strengthen literacy efforts across New York City.

Time: 2:20-3:10pm
Agenda: Afternoon Breakout Sessions - Block 3
Participants will continue breakout sessions and reflect on key insights and opportunities to strengthen coordinated literacy efforts across the ecosystem.

Time: 3:20-4:00pm
Agenda: NYC Reads Together: Ecosystem Commitments and Next Steps

Questions about the summit? Interested in getting involved or learning more? We’d love to hear from you.

By 2035, all school-aged youth in New York City will be fully literate — able to read, write, listen, and speak in ways that allow them to achieve their goals and develop their knowledge and potential.

The NYC Literacy Ecosystem Roadmap outlines the shared strategy guiding citywide efforts to achieve this goal. It identifies the core solutions that drive literacy outcomes and the conditions needed to sustain progress over time.

Agenda at a Glance

9:00-9:50am

Light Breakfast (Optional)

10:00-11:00am

Opening

11:10-12:00pm

Morning Breakout Sessions - Block 1

12:20-1:10pm

Lunch and Panel Discussion

1:20-2:10pm

Afternoon Breakout Sessions - Block 2

2:20-3:10pm

Afternoon Breakout Sessions - Block 3

3:20-4:00pm

NYC Reads Together: Ecosystem Commitments and Next Steps

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