Ready to Learn Initiative

Ready to Learn Initiative is sponsored by San Diego Foundation. A partnership with the Dr. Seuss Foundation to expand early literacy opportunities for young children in the San Diego region who lack access to necessary resources.

Ready to Learn | San Diego Foundation Read in English Leer en Español Expanding early literacy opportunities for San Diego children from birth through age five.

Ready to Learn has resulted in: inaugural Ready to Learn grantmaking (2025) served through DSF-SDF collaborative grantmaking since 2022 in collaborative grantmaking (2022-2024) Ready to Learn Inaugural Grantees Building Strong Foundations for a Lifetime of Learning Research shows that 90% of a child’s brain develops by age five, making early literacy a key predictor of lifelong learning and achievement.

A partnership between Dr. Seuss Foundation and San Diego Foundation, the Ready to Learn initiative levels the playing field by expanding early literacy opportunities for young children in the San Diego region who lack access to the resources they need to thrive. Through a permanent $15 million endowment made possible by Dr. Seuss Foundation, the Ready to Learn initiative expands regional investment in early education and literacy.

Working in alignment with the San Diego Foundation’s Early Childhood Initiative , Ready to Learn is a part of a portfolio of programs that support thriving children and families in San Diego County. Changing the Trajectory of Children’s Lives The earliest years of a child’s life are critical for brain development and future academic success. Strong, positive relationships are also crucial for healthy early childhood development.

By investing in early literacy, we are transforming: Children who develop strong literacy skills before kindergarten perform better on standardized tests, have higher middle school GPAs, and are more likely to graduate high school on time. Early literacy is linked to better career opportunities, economic mobility and overall well-being.

Caregiver Support and Engagement Parents and caregivers can be active participants in their child’s learning through access to resources that promote healthy early childhood development and early learning success.

$2 Million Investment Expands Early Literacy and Learning Opportunities for Children in San Diego County Dr. Seuss Foundation and San Diego Foundation Offer $2 Million in Early Literacy Grants Through New Common Application Turning the Page: How Words Alive Is Helping Families Read Together Leading on Literacy: Partnering with Dr. Seuss Foundation to Ensure Students are ‘Ready to Learn’ Support Children & Families This initiative is part of the San Diego Foundation Fifty & Forward Campaign , an ambitious effort to grant $500 million to three key areas: And raise $1 billion to shape the future of our region.

You can help all San Diego children and families thrive and feel like they belong in our beloved home.