Communities We Serve
Manhattan: Inwood, Washington Heights
Bronx: University Heights, Kingsbridge, Highbridge, South Fordham
Brooklyn: Sunset Park
Queens: Jamaica
Staten Island: StapletonLINC-identified communities of focus for the 2010-11 school year are located in community districts with high or moderately high risk to overall childhood well-being, as indicated by the 2008 edition of Keeping Track of New York City’s Children. All of these communities have high rates of poverty, as indicated by eligibility for the federal free or reduced lunch program, and low academic achievement as indicated by reading scores. Only 33% of low-income students meet state and city reading standards, compared to over 60% of their non low-income counterparts. Children in LINC communities are predominantly African-American and/or Latino, with growing immigrant populations from Mexico, Haiti, and countries in Eastern Europe and Asia. Many are not native English speakers as indicated by Limited English Proficiency (LEP) rates. Much is at stake, and starting early is the key.
A critical factor in children’s level of reading achievement is the amount of reading children actually do. Reading frequently and widely is essential. LINC programs help to address this need by providing programs and supports in under-resourced communities that mirror what more advantaged children routinely experience.
