Program Sites

Since 2011, 916 Ink has led the effort to promote youth literacy in Sacramento by empowering youth voice. We have published more than 85 books, serving more than 3,300 young authors in the Sacramento region.
916 Ink's curriculum asks students to reflect upon their own "hero's journey," which is a mode of storytelling meant to explore how one individual can play different roles in life. By encouraging students to write about their own journey, students begin to see the different facets of their identity and can create a story that positions them as the hero of their own lives.

In our workshops, students become part of their own writing community where they write together, share their work, and give and receive positive feedback.

Data shows that a 916 Ink workshop increases self confidence, heals trauma, and teaches empathy, listening, and literacy skills. Our safe environment provides youth a place for expression teaches them to "take the yes," a motto created to help youth silence their inner critics.

Through creative writing workshops in partnership with public schools, probation, group homes, non profit organizations, libraries, and community centers, 916 Ink students generate writing (prose, poetry, and creative non-fiction) using varied writing prompts and reading samples that spark the imagination.

During the revision process, students work with professional volunteer writers and editors to polish their work for publication in an anthology featuring pieces from each writer in the workshop. Students choose a title for their book and collaborate with a graphic designer to create the book cover. Each student receives two copies of the anthology and they can share this success with friends, families, and fans at a book release party where students are invited to read their work before an audience.

Reading Partners works in schools with high percentages of children from low-income families. Working with school leaders, Reading Partners transforms an empty classroom into a reading center, complete with a library and teaching tools managed by a full-time staff member. Reading Partners collaborates with teachers to...

Reading Partners works in schools with high percentages of children from low-income families. Working with school leaders, Reading Partners transforms an empty classroom into a reading center, complete with a library and teaching tools managed by a full-time staff member. Reading Partners collaborates with teachers to...

Reading Partners works in schools with high percentages of children from low-income families. Working with school leaders, Reading Partners transforms an empty classroom into a reading center, complete with a library and teaching tools managed by a full-time staff member. Reading Partners collaborates with teachers to...

Reading Partners has been a part of the Sacramento educational landscape since 2009, when we first began placing community volunteers in low-income schools to help kids master basic reading skills. Our one-on-one tutoring model empowers students to succeed in reading and in life by engaging community volunteers to provide...

Reading Partners works in schools with high percentages of children from low-income families. Working with school leaders, Reading Partners transforms an empty classroom into a reading center, complete with a library and teaching tools managed by a full-time staff member. Reading Partners collaborates with teachers to...

Reading Partners works in schools with high percentages of children from low-income families. Working with school leaders, Reading Partners transforms an empty classroom into a reading center, complete with a library and teaching tools managed by a full-time staff member. Reading Partners collaborates with teachers to...

Reading Partners has been a part of the Sacramento educational landscape since 2009, when we first began placing community volunteers in low-income schools to help kids master basic reading skills. Our one-on-one tutoring model empowers students to succeed in reading and in life by engaging community volunteers to provide individualized, personal attention to each student in our program.

Sacramento is the capital city of one of the world’s largest economies, yet only 45% of third graders are reading at proficient or advanced level. The “River City” recognizes it must prioritize early literacy education. Working closely with the Sacramento community, Reading Partners is committed to making Northern California a model of reading success.

Partnering with parents, teachers, and school and community leaders in Sacramento, we’re working toward a future where every child has the individualized support they need to become strong readers and lifelong learners.

Our Mission. To provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.