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Abstract
Promoting Early Literacy: Engaging Communities to Empower Young Learners
Miles Dillahunt
Abstract
Early reading is a fundamental component of academic achievement, establishing a strong foundation for future learning outcomes. This poster examines the crucial relationship between early literacy skills and student success, supported by a comprehensive review of existing literature and empirical studies. Research consistently shows that children who engage in reading before age five are more likely to excel in elementary and secondary education, demonstrating enhanced vocabulary, comprehension, and overall academic performance.
A critical aspect of promoting early literacy lies in effective community engagement. Collaborative partnerships between schools, libraries, and community organizations can play a transformative role by providing essential resources, such as reading programs, workshops, and access to diverse reading materials for families. Innovative initiatives, such as "Reading Buddies" programs and community literacy fairs, actively engage children and their families, helping to reduce barriers to reading access and fostering a culture of literacy within the community.
The central research question guiding this investigation is: "How can community engagement strategies be used to enhance early literacy outcomes among young learners and their families?" Empowering families through targeted workshops focused on effective reading strategies and literacy development is essential for encouraging their involvement in their children's education. Additionally, involving families and community members in the planning and evaluation of literacy programs ensures that these initiatives are culturally relevant and responsive to community needs. Such collective efforts contribute to creating a literacy-rich environment that values reading, ultimately leading to increased school readiness and improved long-term educational outcomes.
In summary, this research highlights the crucial role that community engagement and early literacy interventions play in shaping educational policies and practices that foster student success. Fostering robust community engagement in early literacy initiatives is crucial for empowering young learners and creating equitable educational opportunities that lay the groundwork for lifelong success.
Publication Date
2026
Subject Major(s)
Forensic Science
Keywords
early learning, literacy
Disciplines
Early Childhood Education | Language and Literacy Education
Current Academic Year
Freshman
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr. RaJade M. Berry-James
Rights
© The Author(s)
Recommended Citation
Dillahunt, M. (2026, April 13–15). Promoting Early Literacy: Engaging Communities to Empower Young Learners. Poster Presentation. National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) 2026, Richmond, VA, United States.