Genesis is an amazing program that we have been blessed to be a part of! It has changed my kiddos’ lives and helped them read and grow as students and kids. I am so grateful for Genesis and all their staff!
—Genesis Summer Reading Academy Parent
BILL FERRARI |Director
our
mission
The Genesis Reading Academy equips and empowers students from traditionally underserved communities to overcome barriers that prevent meaningful academic achievement. Through their dynamic interaction with our innovative approach to reading instruction and literacy development, Genesis students begin to command the skills and tools necessary to cultivate curiosity and access culturally relevant knowledge across academic disciplines. Through our intentional school-family partnerships, Genesis students learn how to increase their executive functioning, develop healthy relationships, and build resiliency, animating the Genesis student’s excitement to go to school with the will to learn.
There is no cost to families to access the Genesis Reading Academy and its services.
our
history
The Genesis Summer Reading Academy launched in the Summer of 2018 at Marist Catholic High School as a resource for local students, families, and schools to help combat what is commonly known as The Summer Slide and its impact on the Achievement Gap. Students from historically marginalized populations face enormous adversity in meeting and exceeding established reading benchmarks that foreshadow sustained academic success. In collaboration with key community partners such as the University of Oregon’s College of Education, Catholic Community Services of Lane County, FOOD For Lane County, and local school districts, the Genesis Summer Reading Academy implemented an evidence-based reading curriculum allowing Genesis staff to provide reading instruction and interventions to vulnerable children in need of literacy support.
The Genesis Summer Reading Academy has grown from 30 students in 2018 to more than 100 students in 2022 and 2023, and has provided a summer school experience where Genesis students are known and valued, and experience meaningful and joyful learning. Initially, Genesis served students in kindergarten through fourth grade, but has expanded access to the program by enrolling pre-kindergarten and middle school students in recent years. The Genesis Summer Reading Academy provides breakfast and lunch, as well as bus transportation for students. There has never been any cost for students to attend Genesis.
Today, the Genesis Reading Academy continues to offer summer programming, but has also transitioned into an independent nonprofit organization. The Genesis Reading Academy leadership team envisions a future where Genesis serves as a dynamic year-round resource for local students and families, providing reading instruction and literacy development that allows Genesis students to thrive inside and outside their classrooms.
our pillars
The Genesis Reading Academy prioritizes instruction built on a foundation of evidence-based, best-practices teaching and learning pedagogy:
The Science of Reading:
The Science of Reading:
When students are properly assessed, individualized instruction can then be implemented in a manner that best addresses the student’s needs to become a skilled and proficient reader.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
Students must have access to culturally relevant texts and learning experiences, and their education must reflect and respect their own cultural and family values. A healthy commitment to cultural responsiveness is a fluid process that challenges students to build empathy as they encounter and interact with others as students learn to value all cultures, not just their own. Ultimately, each student must feel known and safe at school. At Genesis, we believe in providing authentic affirmation while encouraging each student to embrace agency, voice, and cooperation in taking responsibility for their learning.
Trauma Informed Teaching:
Trauma Informed Teaching:
Students from traditionally marginalized populations often bring trauma to school. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are common, but when students experience safe, stable relationships at school, positive peer interactions, and academic success, the long term impact of ACEs can be diminished. Trauma Informed Teaching prioritizes guiding students in building healthy relationships, cultivating executive functioning skills, and developing resilience through a growth mindset.
The Science of Play:
The Science of Play:
Students who experience consistent, intentional opportunities to engage in playful learning experience deeper learning that enhances critical and creative thinking skills. Playful learning cultivates the will to learn, and allows students to apply knowledge in imaginative and practical ways.
our board of directors
Bill Ferrari, Director: Created the Genesis Summer Reading Academy. An educator for over 30 years.
Dr. McKenzie Meline, President: Portland Public School District Administrator and University of Oregon Instructor
Stacey Baker-Fones, Secretary: Director of Marist Ministries, Marist Brother Province USA
Rafaela Partida, Treasurer: PhD Student in Special Education, University of Oregon
Lauren Barry: Rollins University Student
Julie Ferrari: Director of Campus Ministry, Marist Catholic High School
Aaron Pina-Ramirez: Oregon State University Student
Cynthia Saras: Dean of Students, Marist Catholic High School
Doug Wilson: Senior Instructor II Emeritus, University of Oregon, Lundquist College of Business
OUR
PARTNERS
