Venture. Transform. Succeed.
We are a bold social venture working to transform early learning so that all of San Mateo County's children succeed.
All of San Mateo County behind all of our kids.
Thank you to the agencies who make this initiative possible
2012-2014
2015-2021
2022+
Phase 1
Start-Up
Phase 2
Pilot
Phase 3
Countywide
Our Approach
Our early learning transformation is focused on four key pillars: providing high-quality preschool and summer learning, reducing absenteeism, and increasing family engagement. The Big Lift initiative starts with 2 years of high-quality preschool, followed by 3 years of “inspiring summers” programs. Family engagement initiatives support students’ literacy skills, and collaborative interventions promote the importance of school attendance.
Key Pillars to Success
Our model includes four evidence-based key programs that work together from preschool to third grade to improve the development of San Mateo students’ reading proficiency level.
High-Quality Preschool
Two years of high-quality preschool for children from families with limited resources.
Inspiring Summers
Evidenced-based summer learning programs enabling kids to build on academic success’.
Family Engagement
Supporting family engagement strategies that promote family-school partnering, literacy, and kindergarten readiness.
Attendance
Collaborative efforts helping families understand the importance of preschool to early elementary school attendance.
Preschool
3rd Grade
Success!
Serving San Mateo County Youth
The Big Lift serves 3,000 children each year in seven San Mateo County communities. Over 300 organizations and people partner with The Big Lift in supporting the children of San Mateo County to be confident and successful readers by the end of third-grade.
High-Quality Preschool
0%22
More likely to be ready for kindergarten than kids without preschool
Inspiring Summer
03.5
Months of gained reading skills
Family Engagement
0%70
of Big Lift families read together at least four times per week
Attendance
07300
Increased days of school attendance
Impact
Big Lift children are more likely to be ready for kindergarten, gain academic skills during the summer, read more, and have fewer absences compared to children who don’t attend Big Lift programming.
