Driving Educational
Equity Forward
in st. louis
Join us in our mission to improve child literacy and create educational equity for every child in St. Louis.
Who We Are
Coalition With STL Kids is a community-driven organization committed to ensuring that every child in St. Louis has access to quality education. With a focus on literacy, we bring together educators, parents, and community leaders to create impactful programs and advocate for systemic change. Our goal is to shatter the barriers to educational success and build a brighter future for all children in our city
Our Partners
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Activate STL
Activate STL drives social change by equipping individuals with the tools they need to make a tangible impact on their communities. Their initiatives are focused on empowering local residents through education, advocacy, and organizing efforts.
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Black Men Build
Black Men Build is a movement that seeks to organize and uplift Black men through direct action and social change. They emphasize leadership, education, and mentorship to create safer, stronger communities.
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Black Men Read
Black Men Read is dedicated to inspiring a love for reading and literacy in Black boys and young men. Their mentorship and tutoring programs create culturally relevant learning experiences that foster academic achievement and community involvement.
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Bridge 2 Hope
Bridge 2 Hope focuses on bridging the gap between marginalized communities and essential resources, including educational support. They work to uplift youth and families through mentoring, tutoring, and community empowerment initiatives.
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Navigate STL Schools
Navigate STL Schools helps families make informed decisions about their children’s education. By providing transparent information about local school options, they empower parents to choose schools that best meet their children’s needs and support their academic success.
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Ali Academy
Ali Academy provides transformative education for underserved youth, fostering environments where students are motivated to excel academically and personally. They are committed to bridging the educational gap for students through robust programming and mentorship.
WHY WE’RE HERE
#WECANTWAIT
80%
14%
33%
18k
As of 2022 Only 28% of eighth-graders tested in reading were at or above proficient, compared to 33 % in 2019.
The district’s current enrollment is 18,747 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
In 2018, just 14% of Black third-graders were reading at grade level. In 2022, the percentage was 9%
of students are not reading at grade level. The rate increases to 87% for Black students
#SAVEOURSCHOOLS
the mission
our commitment is to improving child literacy and creating educational equity in St. Louis.
Committees
Real change starts with collective action. Our committees are at the heart of our mission, each dedicated to driving forward key initiatives that support educational equity in St. Louis. Learn more about our committees and find out how you can make a difference.
Starting Sixty
Empowering Educators, Elevating Education
We are committed to raising the minimum teacher salary to $60,000 per year and recruiting 100 tutors to address the literacy crisis in our schools.
SLPS Board Support
Transforming Leadership, Transforming Schools.
We are focused on reshaping the St. Louis Public Schools Board to better reflect the values and needs of our community.
Administrative Committee
Building the Foundation for Success.
Our administrative team ensures that all programs and efforts run smoothly, supporting the Coalition’s mission with strong organizational management.
Tutoring
Closing the Literacy Gap, One Child at a Time.
Our tutoring program aims to provide personalized reading support to students, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Legislation & Policy
Advancing Laws, Achieving Equity.
We advocate for policies and legislation that promote educational equity across St. Louis.
Behavior Support
Creating Positive Classrooms, Building Brighter Futures.
We work to implement strategies that support students with behavioral challenges, helping them thrive in a positive learning environment.
Accountability
Ensuring Equity, Demanding Excellence.
Our accountability efforts aim to hold educational institutions responsible for meeting the needs of all students through legal action and policy advocacy.
Meetings & EVENTS:
Join us for our upcoming Coalition With STL Kids Committee Meetings and Events, from discussing key initiatives and strategizing our advocacy efforts to collaborating and celebrating with and for each other as we work towards improving child literacy and educational equity in St. Louis. Whether you’re a returning member or new to our coalition, your participation is crucial in driving positive change in our community.
Meet The Coalition
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Chester Asher
FOUNDER
Chester founded Coalition With STL Kids with a vision to transform education in St. Louis. With a background in education and community organizing, Chester leads our organization with passion, determination, and a deep commitment to justice. -
Tiara Jordan-Sutton
DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
Tiara brings extensive experience in policy advocacy and legislative affairs. She works tirelessly to advance laws and policies that support educational equity in our city. -
Krystal Barnett
DIRECTOR OF BEHAVIOR SUPPORT
Krystal is dedicated to creating positive, inclusive learning environments for all students. She oversees our behavior support initiatives and works directly with schools to implement effective strategies.
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Jeffrey 'Bo' Dean
DIRECTOR OF STARTING SIXTY COMMITTEE
Bo is a champion for educators and works to ensure that our teachers are valued and supported. He leads the Starting Sixty Committee, focusing on raising teacher salaries and recruiting tutors. -
Keyon Watkins
DIRECTOR OF TUTORING
Keyon oversees our tutoring programs, ensuring that every child has the support they need to succeed. His dedication to literacy is at the core of our mission.
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Administrative Committee
Our Administrative Committee ensures that all our efforts run smoothly and efficiently. They are the backbone of our organization, handling everything from logistics to communications.
Get Involved
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Join a Committee
What to be at the tip of the spear?
Become a part of the movement by joining one of our action-focused committees and helping build and strategize with our team. -
Follow & Share
Support STL kids! Follow us for updates on initiatives, stories, and events. Share our posts to shape a better future for St. Louis children. Connect today!
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Volunteer
Low on time but big on heart?
Give your time and talents to support our programs and initiatives by joining the Administrative Committee. -
Attend An Event
Join us for impactful community events designed to drive policy change, inform and empower the public, and unite individuals passionate about social justice. Connect with like-minded advocates, share ideas, and take meaningful steps toward a brighter future for all.
yes, we are Social!
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FAQ
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Answer:
Coalition With STL Kids is a community-driven organization dedicated to improving child literacy and educational equity in St. Louis. We bring together educators, parents, volunteers, and community leaders to create impactful programs and advocate for systemic change in the education system. Our mission is to ensure that every child in St. Louis has access to quality education and the resources they need to succeed. -
Answer:
There are several ways to get involved with Coalition With STL Kids:
Volunteer: You can volunteer as a tutor, join one of our committees, or assist with events and programs.
Donate: Your financial contributions help us continue our vital work in St. Louis.
Join a Committee: Our committees focus on specific areas such as literacy, behavior support, and advocacy. By joining a committee, you can contribute your skills and ideas to our mission.
Attend Meetings: Participate in our regular committee meetings and special events to stay informed and engaged. Visit our Get Involved page for more information on how you can help.
Lastly, liking sharing our social media -
Answer:
We offer a variety of programs designed to improve literacy and support educational equity, including:
Literacy Tutoring Program: Provides one-on-one and small group tutoring to help children achieve grade-level reading proficiency.
After-School Reading Clubs: Engaging programs that promote reading in a fun, social setting.
Summer Literacy Camps: Intensive programs that prevent summer learning loss and boost literacy skills.
Behavior Support Program: Offers resources and strategies to help schools manage behavioral challenges and create positive learning environments.
Parent Liaison Initiative: Connects parents with schools to support students' academic and behavioral success. Learn more about our programs on our Programs page.
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Answer:
Our programs are primarily designed for children in St. Louis who are struggling with literacy or need additional academic support. We also provide resources and support for parents, educators, and volunteers who want to help improve educational outcomes in our community. Specific eligibility requirements may vary by program. Please contact us for more information on participation. -
Answer:
You can sign your child up for one of our programs by visiting our Programs page, where you'll find detailed information about each program, including registration links and contact information. If you have any questions or need assistance with the registration process, please feel free to contact us at info@cwstlkids.org or call (314) 816 - 0087
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Answer:
Our goal is to make our programs accessible to all children in St. Louis, regardless of their financial situation. Most of our programs are offered at no cost to participants, thanks to the generous support of our donors and community partners. If there are any costs associated with a specific program, they will be clearly communicated during the registration process. Please contact us if you have any questions about program costs.
Contact Us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!