YLUA-Young Leaders in Urban Agriculture

Kids R.E.A.D. is Cultivate Academy-CTX’s flagship literacy and leadership initiative designed to empower young readers to grow in confidence, comprehension, and community.
Rooted in culturally relevant texts, student voice, and real-world application, the program goes far beyond books—it helps youth discover their identity, activate their purpose, and resist the barriers that too often silence young minds.

✨ What Makes Kids R.E.A.D. Unique:

• Literacy with Purpose: Students read and analyze stories that reflect their community, culture, and values—books that affirm their potential.
  
  

• Leadership through Literature: Students practice public speaking, lead read-alouds, facilitate discussions, and present book reviews to their peers and community.
  
  

• Community Engagement: Through partnerships with the Temple Public Library, Bookmobile visits, and public Kids R.E.A.D. events, students bring literacy to life for the entire community.
  
  

• Writing & Speaking Integration: Students write book reflections, prepare public presentations, and create multimedia projects that connect reading to leadership.
  
  

📖 Program Highlights

• Monthly themed book selections focused on agriculture, wellness, leadership, and justice
  
  

• Weekly shared reading circles and vocabulary challenges
  
  

• Public reading events at the Urban Farm, Rockin R Retreats, and community markets
  
  

• Guest authors, news media literacy, and storytelling workshops
  
  

“When kids read what reflects them, they rise into who they are.”
Kids R.E.A.D. doesn’t just teach literacy—it cultivates readers who lead, speak, write, and build.

-Doree Collins M.Ed.