About Us
Our Vision
We envision a world where all children have equitable access to educational resources regardless of their zip code, skin color, or socioeconomic status.
Decode Project is eliminating inequities in education by fostering a diverse group of learners prepared to navigate the world.
“Decode Project continues to move mountains and eliminate additional roadblocks that allow students to reach their full potential and operate in their greatness.” dr douglass craddock jr, VP for Community engagement, University of Louisville
Our Values
Action
We embrace the work of:
- Literacy as a means of liberation
- Shifting narratives to fully reflect how we arrived at our current context
- Systems-level change that leads to equity in education
Access
We believe in access to literacy for everyone—removing barriers and providing resources necessary to ensure all young people can achieve their individual best.
Collaboration
We believe the greatest achievements take place in community and that those most directly affected by injustice and inequity should be centered when addressing and overcoming them.
Accountability
We believe all members of our community are equally valued—whether student, volunteer, staff, donor, or board member—and that each member has a responsibility to work towards creating a more just, loving, and equitable world where our young people can thrive.
Equity
We commit to treating everyone justly according to their circumstances and co-creating a world where opportunities for literacy are equitable.
Our Team
Our Partners
- Maupin Elementary
- University of Louisville Office of Community EngagemenT
- Evolve 502
- University of Louisville School of Education
- New directions housing corp.
- SPalding University Career Design center
- National Center for Families learning
Where We Serve
LaToya Whitlock
Decode Project was created out of necessity. The opportunities that come with the ability to read are immeasurable. It is my belief that equitable access to literacy is a pathway to true liberation and better future for us all!
Nile Rowe
I love working with Decode Project because we open the doors of opportunity for every student through equitable education.
Janica Ramientos
Reading to me, means a chance. A chance at learning more. A chance at being more. A chance at exploring more. A chance at knowing more. It’s the basic building block of education. I chose
to work at Decode Project because It is my duty as a reader and a person to give someone else that chance.
Sophie Perry
Decode's mission to mitigate inequities through literacy is incredibly important, and I want to support that mission in any way I can. At the Decode Project informational meeting I attended, I was devastated when I learned the number of children who don't have the privilege of being able to read at their grade level. I have lots of experience babysitting, and really enjoy working with kids. I greatly value reading, as it is crucial for safety and communication. In my free time, I also love to read books about nearly any topic and I view reading as an incredible outlet. Decode Project is a great way to combine what I enjoy doing with my values and help create change in our community, and I am beyond excited to be a literacy mentor.
Bria Garner
Nakia Strickland
I enjoy working with Decode Project because of the commitment to diminish inequities in education. Literacy not only enhances a student's life but also creates opportunities to assist students on their educational journey.
Geri Kipp
Every child has a right to effective and comprehensive early literacy instruction. Once they get it, it’s theirs forever.
Carey Goldstein
I love working with Decode Project and seeing how they teach reading in such a comprehensive way. Reading is the key to leveling the playing field of education.
Alayna McDade
Rafael Stewart
Anthony Trotter, Jr.
"I believe when one has a strong ability in literacy, they can truly be free."
Lori Trexler
Nina Smith
Lisa Petry
Lawrence Nagel
Tiffany Couch
Decode has a mission that is so overlooked despite being one of the most pressing concerns. Kids need literacy to help them succeed in every other facet of life, so being able to help means the world to me!
Nancy Cavalcante
Reading is an essential skill! Strong reading skills open the door to learning about life and our world! I am excited about the opportunity to mentor students in reading with The Decode Project. It is a privilege to give back to young people in this way. It will be joyful to spend time with them one on one as they explore their world through reading.
Jadyn Rowe
Literacy is important to me because it is the key to the world. It is really hard to understand and progress in life without being literate. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity and the support to learn literacy.
Flor Ramos
Stella Macumber
Sara Rogers
Nadia Pratt
Arabella Gray
Maya Dunican
Daniel Cruse
Tofunmi Aderinokun
Paige Johnson
Ra'Koriyah Ross
" Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." - Aristotle
Ava Williams
"Once you learn to read, you will forever be free" - Frederick Douglass
Azariah Hughes
“I chose the Decode Project because I’m pursuing a career in elementary education and love working with children. I wanted hands-on experience helping students improve their literacy skills while building my skills as a future educator. This opportunity allows me to make a positive impact while preparing for my future classroom.”
Ingram Quick
“Literacy is something that is used anywhere and everywhere. It is an essential skill that everyone should be taught and given the opportunity to develop. Frederick Douglass said that ‘Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.’”
Jaylah Hamilton
Khamauri Towns
“Literacy, to me, is more than learning words. It's discovering that your voice has the power to be heard. Through Decode, I hope to make a lasting impact by helping our youth build a skill that can shape how they learn, navigate life, and create opportunities for themselves.”
Leah Coppick
“I chose Decode Project because I resonated with their mission. To this day, I value the educators and mentors I had growing up who never made me feel bad for being behind. It’s because of them that I am where I am today. I chose Decode Project because I want to be that person for another child.”
Aliyah Robinson
“I am inspired by Frederick Douglass’s quote, ‘Once you learn to read, you will be forever free,’ because it shows how powerful literacy can be. Reading gives people the freedom to learn, grow, express themselves, and discover new possibilities. This quote reminds me that literacy can truly impact someone’s life.”
Colten Stephany
“I chose to be a part of Decode Project because you get to help make a difference in a child’s life by helping give them the literacy tools that will set them up for a lifetime of success. It’s truly a privilege to be a part of this organization.”
De'Asia Greenwell
“No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.”
Elizabeth Reeder
“Equitable access to literacy to me means that everyone gets a chance. It doesn't matter who you are, where you came from, nor what you've been through; We all deserve a chance.”
Maddie Aliaga
“Dolly Parton once said, “The seeds of dreams are often found in books.” I have always loved reading, and find it to be an escape from any negative feelings. I am so excited to be given the opportunity to help children in our community have this same experience!”
Madeline Marquez
"I chose Decode Project because having a meaningful impact on communities holds deep meaning. As a child, limited resources were very common in my area so being able to have an opportunity like this to serve as a resource.. will help me grow as a person."
Seray Sidibay
“I chose Decode for several reasons. For one I love kids and helping people. I feel as though Decode does both! I also believe that teachers make a big impact on children. The right teacher can become a mentor and change your life. I would love to be that person even if it is just for one kid. Everyone deserves to have someone and not everyone can have that in their homes or personal lives so I want to make sure anyone I encounter feels like I can be their someone.”
Sindhu Veniga
“Equitable access to literacy means that everyone is given an opportunity to learn how to become literate regardless of who they are or where they come from. Everyone deserves a chance at becoming literate in order to open doors for their future and succeed.”
Kennedi Posey
Katie Mattingly
"You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, or who had ever been alive." - James Baldwin
Jenetta Shobe
“Literacy is the most basic currency of the knowledge economy.” -Barack Obama. To me, this means literacy is far more than just a universal language or having the ability to read and write. It's about having the willingness to unlearn and relearn as the world changes. Literacy empowers people to engage with new ideas and perspectives. In a sense, it is a way to allow personal growth and community involvement.”
Chelsea Williams
“Equitable access to literacy means that everyone should have the same opportunity to learn and develop their reading and writing skills, no matter their background or circumstances. Everyone deserves access to the resources and support they need to succeed.”
Josiah Riley
“Equitable access to literacy means every kid deserves the chance to learn how to read and write. No matter where you come from, everyone should have the tools and support they need to learn, grow, and believe in themselves.”