Did you know almost half of our children are not reading proficient by 3rd grade? Spurred by leadership in San Mateo County, the San Mateo County Office of Education, and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, the Big Lift initiative is working to ensure all students can read at grade level by 3rd grade. By increasing the number of children attending preschool in areas of highest need, providing more summer programming, and engaging families to encourage regular attendance – the Big Lift can help close the literacy gap in our County.