“>Reading and Beyond is honored to have been recognized locally, regionally, and nationally for its work with children and families. We are constantly innovating to produce the most effective programs that break the cycle of generational poverty. What follows is a list of major recognitions over the past 22 years.

“>Year 2019

Reading and Beyond Preschool received a 5-star rating (rating out of 5) from Fresno County Office Of Education’s Early Stars Program.

The James Irvine Foundation provided funding to expand the California Bridge Academies program to implement the Upskilling Program to address the need to increase college success among re-entry students at Fresno City College and ensure program completion and obtain living-wage jobs.

Executive Director, Luis Santana, was awarded the “Ethical Leadership Award” from Fresno State’s Ethics Center as well as being recognized by local, state and national leaders for 20 years of service.

Reading and Beyond expanded its California Bridge Academies program by partnering with California Community College Chancellor’s Office adding the Upward Mobility Pathways program to provide educational, employment, and supportive services to CalFresh recipients to increase completion of short stackable certificates and or 2-year degrees.

Reading and Beyond is awarded 4 million dollars for the Local Dental Pilot Project to increase Denti-Cal access and utilization in Fresno County.
California Bridge Academies is select as one of the “11 Best Bets” by the Center for High Impact Philanthropy and MacArthur Foundation.
Reading and Beyond Preschool received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from Fresno County Office Of Education’s Early Stars Program.

Reading and Beyond Preschool received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with 5 being the highest mark of quality, by the Fresno County Office of Education’s Early Stars program. The rating makes it easy for parents to identify quality providers, while giving providers the opportunity to promote their programs with Early Stars validations.
California Bridge Academies founder Pete Weber receives the James Irvine Leadership Award.
California Bridge Academies founder Pete Weber speaks to Congress about the Fresno Bridge Academy program.

Peter Weber, founder of the Fresno Bridge Academy model received the Donald G. Larson for Community Excellence. This award is given to those who make an extraordinary contribution to Reading and Beyond.
Reading and Beyond’s Fresno Bridge Academy is selected by U.S. Department of Agriculture as one of ten national pilots to participate in a randomized control test and awarded $12 million.

Reading and Beyond, in partnership with the Fresno Housing Authority, won a two-year $200,000 Fresno Regional Foundation High Impact Grant earlier this year. The funds support K-3 literacy programs at five locations, including Mosqueda, Parc Grove Commons, Villa Del Mar, Fairview Heights, and Granada Commons.

The Fresno Regional Foundation awarded five grants totaling $600,000 to Central Valley community organizations to help students from low-income families succeed in school. Reading and Beyond was one of the chosen organizations, receiving a grant of $150,000 to support the Fresno Promise Neighborhood initiative.

Congratulations to our own Dr. Matilda Soria and Amy Arambula for being selected as two of Fresno’s Top Ten Professional Business Women of 2012 by the Marjaree Mason Center.
“>The U.S. Department of Education awards Reading and Beyond a $500,000 Promise Neighborhood planning grant.

Reading and Beyond received the Award of Excellence for Best Website at the 2011 Image Awards, presented by the Central California Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

Reading and Beyond’s Executive Director Luis Santana is one of six people in the State of California awarded the James Irvine Leadership Award. The award recognizes Californians who are advancing innovative and effective solutions to critical state issues.

“>Reading and Beyond receives a “Champion of Compassion” award by the U.S. Department of Education. Kerri Briggs, U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, visits Fresno to honor Reading And Beyond for its work and contribution to the community.

“>Reading And Beyond was voted “Best Non Profit” by Fresno Magazine’s Best of Fresno readers poll.
At a White House Conference, the U.S. Secretary of Education, Margaret Spelling, highlights Fresno Covenant Foundation in her speech about about success stories of youth and education within the Hispanic community.
Executive Director Luis Santana is awarded a “Local Hero” Award, by Union Bank and Valley Public Television for the organization’s impact on the community.
Executive Director Luis Santana is awarded a “Portraits Of Success” award by the local media (KSEE-24) for his impact on the community through Reading And Beyond.

Reading And Beyond’s Health Program is highlighted by “Healthy Fresno” as providing effective Health Education for Fresno’s families and children.
Reading And Beyond is awarded the Salute To Small Business award for “Best Non-Profit.”

“>Reading And Beyond is one of only four organizations nationwide to receive a grant to expand its Early Childhood Education program in 2005.