United Reads supports childhood literacy through partnerships with neighboring elementary schools and local health care centers located in Wards 6, 7 and 8 in the District of Columbia. Through United Reads, United encourages area youth to fall in love with reading while also promoting literacy amongst children and their families.

United Reads Schools

08/23 Reading Corner: Launch >

11/18 Reading Corner: Launch >

Photo Gallery: Launch >

In 2002, United for D.C. established the first United Reads School at Payne Elementary School in Ward 6 of Washington, D.C., the closest elementary school to RFK Stadium. Starting the 2007-2008 school year United Reads will be in six total schools, providing the students at these schools with the opportunity to create their own personal libraries through the distribution of free children's books throughout the school year

In addition to distributing brand new children's books three times per school year, United for D.C. also operates a reading challenge at these schools and encourages reading comprehension via guest readings performed by D.C. United players, coaches and senior management, who speak on the importance of, and fun, of reading on a daily basis. With over 2,000 students combined at the six schools, United Reads will donate over ,000 books throughout the school year.

• Payne Elementary School, Ward 6 (since 2002)
• Smothers Elementary School, Ward 7 (since 2003)
• Howard Road Academy, Ward 8 (since 2004)
• Birney Elementary School, Ward 8 (since 2005)
• Ketcham Elementary School, Ward 8 (Since 2007)
• Savoy Elementary School, Ward 8 (Since 2007)

• Fall School Visit Schedule »

"Dear United for D.C., Thank you for visiting our school today. The students really enjoyed meeting "celebrities" (D.C. United players). They are excited to take home their books and ask their parents to read to them. Thanks!"
– Ms. Austin, First Grade Teacher, Birney Elementary (Ward 8)

United Reads Reading Corners

United Reads also works with Reach Out and Read DC to spruce up the waiting rooms at Children's Health Centers through the District. To date, two United Reads Reading Corners have been launched in Ward 8, providing new children's books and other materials as part of a "prescription" to parents and their children, that being to read. United for D.C. knows the importance of early reading programs for ensuring the good development of the community's youth.

• Children's Health Center/Martin Luther King, Ward 8 (summer 2005)
• Children's Health Center/Good Hope Road, Ward 8 (spring 2006)
• Unity Heath Care Foundation- Upper Cardozo, Ward 1 (Fall 2008)

United Reads Partners

United Reads would not be possible without the support of corporations and other literacy-driven organizations. United for D.C. would like to thank the organizations below for their contributions to United Reads.