The READY Report

February 2025

READY to Talk

Get ready, Rochester! The READY Design Studio Showcase is the must-attend event of the season, and you won’t want to miss it! Join us on March 20, 2025 for an evening of innovation, inspiration, and bold ideas that will shape the future of education in our city.

We’re thrilled to welcome Rochester Board of Education Commissioner Isaiah Santiago as our keynote speaker. A dedicated advocate for equity and innovation in schools, Commissioner Santiago will speak on the power of community-driven change and the urgent need to reimagine education in Rochester.

Transformational change doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes real engagement from students, families, educators, and the entire community. That’s why READY is putting the power in your hands—empowering those most impacted by inequities to co-create high-quality learning environments.

What’s in store at the READY Design Studio Showcase?

Hear from READY's Design Studio Fellows who are designing the schools Rochester’s students deserve
Network with community leaders, educators, and changemakers
Be part of the movement to ensure every child has access to quality schools

Change starts with us—reserve your spot today and be part of the movement to transform education in Rochester!

March 20, 2025
4:00 – 6:00 PM
The Duke at Sibley Square

Yours in service,

Shanai Lee, MBA, EdD

Founder and Executive Director

READY, Inc.

READY Design Studio - NOW RECRUITING

Don’t Just Watch the Movement—Join It!

We’re seeking passionate leaders for the 2025-2026 Design Studio Fellowship, a 9-month program to dream, design, and launch innovative school models in Rochester. This unique opportunity is designed for leaders from historically marginalized communities who are ready to make a lasting impact in education.

Fellows receive tailored coaching, participate in workshops, and collaborate with a dynamic cohort—all while centering youth and families in every step of the process.

✨ To indicate interest, click here!

✨ Know someone who would be a great fit? Nominate them here!

✨ Want to learn more? Click here!

📅 Mark Your Calendar! Join us on March 19, from 5:30 – 6:30 PM for our Design Studio Information Session and discover how YOU can be part of the next cohort of education innovators!

Let’s build the future of education together.

Enjoy FREE Lunch on READY

The READY School Finder makes navigating school options simple and effective. In addition to comparing up to three schools side-by-side, users can:

Explore how schools are serving Rochester’s children.
Review academic programs and specialized school options.
Access direct links to school websites and accountability data.
Learn how to register for public schools that best fit their children’s needs.
Discover New York State-approved special education schools tailored to students with disabilities.

Want to bring this powerful tool to your team?

We’re offering FREE Lunch and Learn sessions to employers and organizations! These fun, interactive sessions provide an in-depth introduction to the READY School Finder while READY provides lunch for up to 25 employees.

During the session, your team will:

Learn how to navigate the READY School Finder.
Explore school options tailored to their children’s needs.
Gain valuable tips for making informed school decisions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to support your team while

enjoying a delicious lunch on us!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

READY Reading Room: Fueling Dialogues in Education!

As the temperatures drop, there’s no better time to stay warm indoors and explore fresh perspectives in education. Grab a hot drink, get cozy, and check out these thought-provoking articles and reports that have caught READY’s attention!

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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