The READY Report

March 2025

READY to Talk

Looking around our world today, it’s easy to feel like everything is shifting—and in many ways, it is. At READY, we believe that amidst these changes lies a powerful opportunity: to reimagine and rewrite what education can be for Rochester’s children.

The READY Design Studio was created for bold educators and education entrepreneurs who are ready to dream beyond the boundaries of what school has been—and build what school should be.

If you’ve ever seen a problem in your school and thought, “We can do better,” this is your moment. Applications for the second cohort of the READY Design Studio are now open through April 14.

Over nine transformative months, participants receive coaching, funding, inspiration, and the kind of community support that makes big ideas possible. In partnership with Moonshot edVentures, we are equipping educators to design schools that are student-centered and rooted in Rochester’s unique brilliance.

Watch our video to see how far we’ve come—and where we’re headed. You’ll see that this work is rooted in love, led by community, and driven by a vision of excellence and empowerment for every child.

We aren’t just fixing what’s broken—we’re building what’s possible!

APPLY TODAY

Yours in service,

Shanai Lee, MBA, EdD

Founder and Executive Director

READY, Inc.

SAVE THE DATE: The 2025 READY Bowling 4 STARS Fundraiser is set for Friday, November 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM at Radio Social!

Last year, our first-ever Bowling 4 STARS event raised $25,000 to fund the READY STARS Scholarship Fund — investing in future Rochester educators who reflect the identities of the students they serve. This year, we're setting our sights even higher.

Our 2025 goal: Raise $50,000 to fuel two powerful initiatives.

$25,000 to continue funding the READY STARS Scholarship Fund, which supports high school graduates in Rochester pursuing careers in education.

$25,000 to expand the READY Liberation Teaching Academy, a transformative program that introduces local high school students to careers in education and community leadership.

These efforts are central to READY’s mission to increase access to quality schools in Rochester.

Get ready for an evening of fun, community, and impact — with more details and sponsorship opportunities coming soon.

Let’s roll for the future of education in Rochester!

READY Parents Take Their Advocacy Statewide — and

the Movement is Growing

Earlier this month, the READY Parent ACTION Academy took their advocacy statewide — traveling to Albany to raise their voices for Rochester’s children.

Our parent leaders showed up with bold, informed demands rooted in the real needs of our community. From calling for access to high-impact tutoring and evidence-based literacy instruction, to advocating for equitable transportation — they made one thing clear: families must be at the center of the conversation.

Their calls for action reflect READY’s core policy priorities:

Expanding access to high-performing public schools — district, charter, and community-driven — that reflect family and student needs
Increasing the diversity of our educator workforce by reducing barriers to entry and retention for educators of color
Advancing school choice through transparent data, equitable enrollment policies, and support for families navigating their options
Strengthening mental health supports in every school
Ensuring equitable access to public resources, transportation, and facilities across all public schools

We’re proud of our parent leaders’ courage and conviction — and we’re just getting started. The movement for more high-performing, quality school options for Rochester's families is growing.

READY Lunch & Learns Are Still Happening

Make school decisions easier — and enjoy lunch on us.

The READY School Finder is a free, easy-to-use tool that helps families explore and compare Rochester’s public school options — including academic programs, special education services, and school performance data.

We’re offering FREE Lunch & Learn sessions for employers and organizations! READY will provide lunch for up to 25 staff and lead a short, engaging session where your team will:

Learn how to navigate the READY School Finder
Explore school options that fit their children’s needs
Get tips for making informed enrollment decisions

Support your team with valuable school info — and a great meal. Contact us at: info@READY4Schools.org for more details.

READY Reading Room: Fueling Dialogues in Education!

At READY, we believe bold change must be backed by research and rooted in community. These thought-provoking articles reflect the key issues we’re tackling — from educator diversity to parent power and school quality. Grab a warm drink and dig into the ideas shaping the future of education in Rochester.

ICYMI!

Missed a past edition or just want to revisit a project update? Below is a convenient list of our recent newsletters for you to re-read or easily share!

Check out recent newsletters:

Stay Connected: Follow READY on Social Media!

Want to stay up-to-date with all the latest news, events, and initiatives from READY?

Follow us on social media! Join our growing community of supporters on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay informed and engage in major community-level discussions on education, reform and what’s needed to increase the number of quality schools locally.

Don’t miss out—click, follow, and be part of the conversation today!

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