The “Spread The Word, Read By Third” program to encourage reading among Marshalltown youngsters has been recognized as a Bright Spot Community for 2018 by the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading.

Mid-Iowa Community Action partners with several other community organizations, including the school district to raise the level of reading for area school kids.  In addition, Karina Hernandez of MICA says working with preschoolers during the summer is also a priority.

Bright Spots awards are designed, according to the organization, to help communities “steal shamelessly and share seamlessly” with other communities facing similar issues.