Michigan organization recognized for advancing early literacy, strengthening family connection, and expanding equitable pediatric support
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Jan. 29, 2026) – Reach Out and Read Michigan is proud to announce that TalentFirst has been named to the Reach Out and Read Honor Roll, a national recognition celebrating exceptional partners whose leadership strengthens early literacy,
caregiver–child connection, and equitable pediatric care. TalentFirst was nominated for its outstanding leadership in elevating early childhood development as a statewide priority and for championing evidence-based supports that give Michigan children the strongest possible start. Through advocacy, partnership, and strategic collaboration, TalentFirst has helped broaden awareness of Reach Out and Read’s model and expand access to early literacy resources in pediatric clinics across the state.
“TalentFirst has been a driving force in expanding early literacy access across Michigan,” said Angela K. DeLost, Affiliate Leader of Reach Out and Read Michigan and President and CEO of Ready for School. “Their partnership has allowed us to grow our network of clinics, reach
more families, and ensure that children across our state begin life with the strong early relationships essential for learning and well-being. Their impact has been remarkable, and we are honored to recognize them on the 2025 Honor Roll.”
Reach Out and Read’s approach reflects the understanding that pediatric care offers one of the earliest and most trusted opportunities to support a child’s development. During well child visits from birth to age 5, clinicians give families new, age-appropriate books and model
simple shared-reading practices, turning routine medical appointments into opportunities that build language skills, strengthen bonds, and support lifelong learning.
“Reach Out and Read demonstrates how evidence-based interventions can be embedded into trusted systems to deliver real results for children and families,” said Kevin Stotts, President at TalentFirst. “By integrating early literacy into pediatric care, this program
strengthens language development at the earliest stages and builds the kind of data-informed foundation Michigan needs to improve literacy outcomes statewide. TalentFirst is proud to support an approach that pairs compassion with evidence to give every child a strong start.”
In FY25, with help from partners like TalentFirst, Reach Out and Read supported 11.2 million well-child visits nationwide and reached 4.8 million children, including nearly 110,000 across Michigan. Honor Roll members are nominated by Reach Out and Read staff and medical leaders for significant and sustained impact through advocacy, funding, expertise, or community engagement. TalentFirst is one of only 23 honorees nationwide selected for the 2025 class.
Reach Out and Read Michigan will formally present the award on Feb. 17 at TalentFirst’s offices, 833 Kenmoor Ave. SE, Suite B, Grand Rapids.
Reach Out and Read Michigan is a strategy in Ready for School’s early education and literacy impact portfolio to increase kindergarten readiness. To learn more about the program and its impact, visit ReachOutAndReadMichigan.org.
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About Reach Out and Read:
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, Reach Out and Read leverages the near universal reach of the pediatric well-child visit to support caregivers in fostering healthy relationships with their young children through shared reading. In FY25, Reach Out and Read
served more than 4.8 million children and provided 9 million free books across 11.2 million well-child visits. Around 70 percent of the children Reach Out and Read serves are from low income families. The only national pediatric literacy model endorsed by the American
Academy of Pediatrics, Reach Out and Read serves children in every state across the U.S.
About TalentFirst
TalentFirst is a coalition of West Michigan business leaders working with educators, workforce partners, and policymakers to build the workforce employers need today and tomorrow. TalentFirst focuses on coordinated, scalable solutions that strengthen the pipeline of educated and skilled talent—driving business performance and regional competitiveness.
