Reading Is The Way Up

Seeking to better the education of California’s future leaders, City National launched its multifaceted, statewide literacy program, Reading Is The Way Up, in April 2002. Since then, the company has:

• Donated more than 15,000 books to public school libraries throughout California;
• Helped open nine new school libraries, working with the Wonder of Reading Foundation;
• Awarded more than $1 million in education-related grants; and,
• Received the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2005.

Literacy Grant Program

In 2005, City National introduced its Literacy Grant program by awarding more than $31,000 to elementary, middle and high schools in Orange County, Calif. Grant awards up to $1,000 were awarded directly to educators for creative and effective literacy projects that will help improve student achievement. In all, the literacy projects of the 31 educators who were selected will improve the literacy of nearly 5,000 students. The grant program will be rolled out statewide in 2006 in cities and communities where City National Bank is located.

Volunteer Reading Program

City National colleagues are encouraged to take up to three hours of paid time off each month to read to schoolchildren in classrooms through its “Volunteer Reading Program.” To help prepare colleagues for the program, the bank provides an intensive three-hour training session on reading to/with children in a classroom or library setting. Approximately 100 colleagues currently participate in the program.

Reading Is The Way Up Fund

The bank has created the Reading Is The Way Up Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization administered by the California Community Foundation, as a funding resource to purchase books for school libraries in California. For more information, visit www.readingisthewayup.org.

How Can You Help?

To participate in our Reading Is The Way Up program, simply visit any City National office to donate much needed books and supplies. Get a list of recommended books or learn more about the initiative through the following resources:

• Donate books — You can donate books to any City National Bank office location. View a list of the best books to donate.
• Volunteer at a local school — You can participate in the Reading Is The Way Up Program by volunteering your time to read to children at a local school that needs your assistance. Simply volunteer at any school near you, or access our list of schools in need.
• Visit your local City National office — Stop by any City National office for more information.