That message took center stage this week as the Chatham Education Alliance hosted its inaugural Moonshot Literacy Summit, bringing together educators, business leaders, community organizations, and advocates around an ambitious goal: 95% of Chatham County third graders reading on grade level by 2031. Currently, approximately 53% are reading on grade level.

Now, the initiative is calling on the entire community to help make that goal a reality.

As part of the next phase of the Chatham Literacy Moonshot, organizers are working to engage 1,000 individuals and 100 businesses as “literacy champions” community partners who will help build a culture that values reading, supports students, and recognizes literacy as essential to Savannah’s long-term success.

For Chamber members, the connection is clear. Today’s third graders are tomorrow’s employees, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Building a strong workforce pipeline begins long before a young person submits a job application — it begins by ensuring children have the fundamental reading skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

More than 200 community members, organizations, and businesses are already supporting the broader literacy campaign.

Savannah’s business community can help move the Moonshot forward. Whether through volunteering, advocacy, team member engagement, or organizational support, local businesses can help ensure every child has the foundation to succeed and strengthen the workforce our region will depend on.