Rochester businessman George Mercier founded the Mercier Literacy Program in 2002. Our mission is to provide a strong foundation in literacy to Rochester's low-income children ages 3 to 12.

We are unique in Monroe County because:

Under the guidance of Dr. Naomi Erdman, director of the graduate literacy program at Nazareth College, we benefit from the latest in research and techniques.

Our teachers are professionals with master's degrees and New York State certifications; many have dual certification in literacy, special education, or early childhood.

We assess every child, and use results to tailor instruction and to ensure each child's progress.

Children are taught one-on-one and in small groups of three to five.

We build a connection between home and school, bringing parents into classrooms and sending home new books and writing supplies.

Anna, mother of participant:
	My six-year-old was in the program... now she loves to read! She reads to my other children, and they try to sound out the words. I think all schools should have this program. Thank you.