2024 – A Year of Vision and Preparation

In 2024, We Strive for Literacy began its journey. We laid the foundation by building our brand, forming key partnerships, and submitting our nonprofit application. Milestones included our partnership with EBLI®, acceptance into the USD Avila Fund Board Chair Learning Group, and our first site partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Vista, set to launch in early 2025. It was a year of vision, preparation, and stepping into purpose.

Our Founding Moment

The vision for We Strive for Literacy began with Cortney Wallace, whose journey began with a desire to pursue a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to following a path beyond her own self-determined plans. In 2023, a faith-centered study transformed her daily perspective, leading her to seek how she could help serve people. A pivotal volunteer experience stirred a conviction in her heart, prompting soul-searching conversations with mentors and an openness to where she was being led.

At the time, Cortney was working in the corporate tech sector, but after an eye-opening discussion with the CEO of Dreams for Change and listening to Emily Hanford’s investigative series Sold a Story, she couldn’t ignore the urgency of the literacy crisis in the U.S. The weight of this issue—and the opportunity to be part of the solution—compelled her to step away from her corporate career in early 2024 and fully dedicate herself to launching We Strive for Literacy.

Rooted in a mission to ensure all children receive effective, evidence-based literacy instruction, Cortney sees this work as more than just a professional endeavor—it’s a calling to serve. Guided by faith and a commitment to living a purpose-driven life, she is dedicated to transforming literacy outcomes for students who need it most.

2025 – From Vision to Impact

This year has been about turning plans into action. We launched our first pilot at the Boys & Girls Club of Vista, serving young readers with structured, evidence-based instruction. We also formalized a partnership with California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM) to recruit and train college students as literacy tutors, creating a sustainable pipeline of support for years to come.

Another exciting step forward is our collaboration with Stanford University’s Reading & Dyslexia Research Program, giving us access to the innovative Rapid Online Assessment of Reading (ROAR). This game-based tool allows us to quickly identify struggling readers and provide targeted interventions with precision.

In the summer, thanks to our first grant from the Bessie Minor Swift Foundation, we launched a Free Summer Reading Program that served 19 students across San Diego County. Now, with two pilot programs completed—we’ve seen firsthand the impact—and it is incredible!

90% of our students gain one or more grade levels in reading after just 6–12 hours of tutoring.

In June, we also received our official 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS, solidifying We Strive for Literacy as a fully recognized nonprofit. We are now finalizing a long-term partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Vista to make WSFL an ongoing program in their location for the 2025–2026 school year. At the same time, we’re in conversation with several organizations eager to join us in advancing our mission.

The foundation is set, momentum is building, and we’re just getting started—stay tuned for what’s ahead!