Greater Austin Reading Coalition Transitions to E3 Alliance to Strengthen Regional Literacy Efforts

As reading for pleasure declines, Central Texas leaders unite to rekindle curiosity and connection for children through books. By Richard A. Tagle, Guest columnist
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Austin, TX — United Way for Greater Austin is proud to announce the transition of leadership for the Greater Austin Reading Coalition (GARC) to E3 Alliance, marking an exciting new chapter in the region’s collective commitment to early literacy.

Launched in 2021 by United Way, GARC was created to unite schools, nonprofits, libraries, parents, and community leaders around a shared vision: every child reading on grade level by the end of third grade. Since its inception, the coalition has convened more than 31 partners, distributed over 168,000 books to young readers, and celebrated the first-ever city-wide Literacy Day with an official proclamation.

“As the coalition has grown, we want to ensure it thrives in its next chapter,” said Michelle Hutson-Crawford, Director of K-3 Education at United Way for Greater Austin. “E3 Alliance has been a vital partner since the beginning, and we’re confident this transition will bring the infrastructure and data-driven strategy needed to scale our impact.”

E3 Alliance, a regional education collaborative, brings deep expertise in systems change and data integration across early childhood, PK-12, postsecondary, and workforce outcomes. Their longstanding commitment to equity, family engagement, and community collaboration aligns with GARC’s mission.

“I am deeply grateful for the incredible work United Way has accomplished alongside the coalition,” said Nwando Clyburn, Director of Learning Foundations at E3 Alliance. “This collaboration has laid a strong foundation, and I am hopeful for the continued efforts and partnerships with our diverse coalition members as we move forward together.”

This transition from United Way for Greater Austin to E3 Alliance reinforces the coalition’s commitment to reducing disparities and ensuring every child in Central Texas has the opportunity to succeed through literacy.

 

For more information please contact:

Michelle Hutson-Crawford

Director of K-3 Education | United Way for Greater Austin

michelle.hutson-crawford@uwatx.org | unitedwayaustin.org | @unitedwayatx

 

Nwando Clyburn

Director of Learning Foundations | E3 Alliance

nclyburn@e3alliance.org | e3alliance.org | @e3alliance