My Brother's Keeper (MBK)

District 11 Literacy Initiative

My Brother's Keeper (MBK)

Helping every child build the reading skills, confidence, and support needed to thrive from the earliest grades through college and career.

About the Program

District 11 is proud to be part of the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) program! Through a four-year grant, we are working to help our youngest learners build strong reading skills and a love of learning. Our work focuses on students in kindergarten through second grade, with a special focus on boys and young men of color.

Reading is an important building block for future success. Children who develop strong reading skills early are better prepared for learning in school and beyond. By using a cradle-to-college approach, we are helping students build skills and confidence that will support them throughout their educational journey.

Why It Matters

Learning to read opens the door to every other area of learning. When children build strong reading skills in the early grades, they are better prepared to grow, succeed, and feel confident in school.

Our goal is simple: help every child become a confident reader and lifelong learner.

Our Approach

Through the MBK Challenge Grant, District 11 is working to create joyful, research-based, and culturally responsive literacy experiences.

• Support high-quality literacy programs for grades K-2.
• Partner with families to support reading at home.
• Offer coaching and training for teachers and administrators.
• Create learning experiences rooted in books, culture, and community.

Our Partner Schools

These District 11 schools are proudly part of the My Brother's Keeper literacy initiative.

PS 016 Wakefield

PS 087 Bronx

PS 111 Seton Falls

PS 189 CASA

Our External Partners

Our community partners help District 11 strengthen literacy instruction, family engagement, and student support through meaningful collaboration.

Supports schools through instructional coaching and targeted strategies designed to strengthen student outcomes.

Provides instructional coaching and structured literacy support to strengthen reading instruction and help students become successful readers.

Provides engaging opportunities that support student development, leadership, and academic success.

Supports teachers with professional learning and coaching focused on early reading instruction.

Provides personalized reading support as students build foundational reading skills at their own pace.

Provides one-on-one tutoring during or after school using trained high school and college students.

Helps families support reading at home by providing engaging workshops, helpful resources, and practical strategies that build confidence and strengthen learning beyond the classroom.

Become Involved!

Families and communities play an important role in helping children learn and grow. Join District 11’s Tune-In Thursday sessions for family resources, learning strategies, and ways to support your child at home.

Learn More About MBK

Want to learn more about My Brother's Keeper and how the program supports students and families across New York City and New York State? Explore resources, program information, and opportunities to learn more.