Proven results  make Sit Stay Read the leading literacy organization in the United States to use dogs as a tool to improve reading skills and foster the love of learning in children living in poverty.  

Through a curriculum designed with the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Center for Literacy, Sit Stay Read's trained volunteers and certified dog teams improve reading fluency, make reading fun, and inspire children to become lifelong readers.

Reading to a dog increases confidence and generates excitement about reading. Combined with dog-themed books and writing assignments, the dogs bring the sessions to life and provide a text-to-world connection—read about a dog; see a dog; touch a dog.

Programs are provided free of charge to public schools and community facilities serving low-income families. Currently all programs are in the city of Chicago. We are looking to expand outside the area as resources become available.

To apply for a program, download and submit a school or community application.

See our programs in action on the NBC Nightly News segment, "What Works" below.