The READY Report

May 2025

READY to Talk: Policy Matters. So Does Your Vote.

At READY, we’re transforming education from every angle. That’s why we don’t just support the design and growth of quality schools. We also work to create the conditions they need to thrive—by activating and mobilizing families to drive change, cultivating the next generation of educators, and fighting for policies that make lasting progress possible. This bold, coordinated effort is what will turn our mission into reality: ensuring 10,000 students gain access to high-performing, quality schools over the next decade.

As we look ahead to the June 24 Democratic primary election for the Rochester Board of Education, we have invited every candidate to complete the READY Candidate Questionnaire. The goal? To help families, educators, and community members understand where each candidate stands on the issues that shape our children’s futures—like access, equity, and school quality.

We’re proud to share that all four candidates responded, and their answers reflect the values they’ll bring to one of the most powerful roles in our public education system. Click the images. Read the responses. Spread the word. Let’s elect leaders who are READY to deliver the schools our kids deserve.

Make your voice heard. Vote on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Yours in service,

Shanai Lee, MBA, EdD

Founder and Executive Director

READY, Inc.

You could be our next winner!

Stop by the READY table at the Rochester MLK Commission Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 14 from 12:00–3:00 PM at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park (353 Court Street, Rochester, NY 14607).

Explore the READY School Finder — your go-to tool for finding the best-fit school — and enter to win a $100 gift card!

We can’t wait to meet you, share resources, and celebrate the

power of informed families!

Bowling 4 STARS is back — and we’re rolling toward a brighter future for Rochester’s students!

Last year, READY raised $25,000 to launch the STARS Scholarship Fund, supporting local students of color who aspire to become educators. This year, we’re doubling down — with a goal to raise $50,000 to expand both the scholarship and our Liberation Teaching Academy, a hands-on program preparing the next generation of diverse, community-rooted educators.

📅 Join us on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 6 PM at Radio Social for an unforgettable night of bowling, community, and purpose.

🎳 Ready to be part of it? Get your team together and contact us to learn how to participate or become a sponsor. Whether you’re a local business, community leader, or just love a good game — this is your chance to make an impact.

📩 Contact us to register your team today: christina@READY4schools.org

Let’s invest in future educators, uplift student dreams, and strike down the barriers to quality education—together.

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 Reading Room: Fueling Dialogues in Education!

As the weather warms, so does our commitment to bold, community-driven change. At READY, we believe real progress is grounded in research and driven by those closest to the work. These thought-provoking articles highlight some of the issues we’re tackling.

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, LinkedIn, and YouTube 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!

READY | Contact Us