SARASOTA, FL—As the school year kicks off, Sarasota's only bilingual school, Dreamers Academy, is getting a boost in literacy support thanks to a new investment from a local law firm.
On Wednesday, August 13, Shumaker Law Firm presented a check to Dreamers Academy for $5,000. The funds will go toward adding new books to the school's library to support all students. Why is a law firm getting involved?
"As lawyers, we know the power of words, and we want to give that power to others," said Shumaker Managing Partner and Chair of the Management Committee Jennifer Compton.
This effort comes at a critical time, especially in Sarasota's Newtown community, where many students struggle with literacy due to socioeconomic barriers and limited resources. Bilingual learners often face added challenges with reading, writing, or both—at a time when national reading scores are at a 20-year low, with 40 percent of fourth graders behind.
Many students who arrive at Dreamers Academy are two years behind in their reading level, so the school integrates reading tutoring and allows students to take books home to practice with their families. Shumaker's donation will support that effort by adding hundreds of new books to the library at Dreamer's Academy.
"Literacy opens doors to opportunity, and this donation is part of our commitment to ensuring every child—no matter their background—has the tools to succeed," said Jan Pitchford, Managing Partner of Shumaker's Sarasota office.
Now, the firm is leading the "Make a Difference through Literacy Initiative" to help 1 million people learn to read in 2025.