A young reader surveys a special edition of the Daily News touting the launch of a new Adolescent Literacy Program

Deputy Mayor for Education and Community Development Dennis M. Walcott and Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner (DYCD) Jeanne B. Mullgrav were joined today by Leon Carter, Sports Editor for the Daily News, at the worldwide headquarters of Scholastic Inc. on lower Broadway to celebrate the launch of the Adolescent Literacy program. The literacy program, which is the first of its kind in the nation, operates in 11 New York City public middle schools.

“The Adolescent Literacy program embodies New York City’s commitment to meeting the educational needs of each and every one of our young people.” said Deputy Mayor Walcott.

The Adolescent Literacy program is funded by a $1 million federal Community Service Block Grant. Group projects are a central component of the program, and are focused on topics ranging from technology to theater arts. The participating programs are: The Children’s Aid Society, The Jacob Riis Neighborhood Settlement, Stanton/Heiskell Telecommunications Policy Center, CUNY Creative Arts Team, Brooklyn Center for Urban Environment, Church Avenue Merchants Block Association, Supportive Children’s Advocacy Network (SCAN), and Queens Child Guidance Center. These community based organizations work in concert with school principals to identify students in need of instruction and develop programs that reinforce classroom learning and engage students in a collaborative effort to develop literacy skills.

Find out more about Adolescent Literacy and other youth programs in their neighborhood at www.nyc.gov/dycd, or by calling the City’s 311 information line.