The Ready To Learn (RTL) programming and outreach grants have entered their fifth and final year. As required by the U.S. Department of Education, 25 percent of the RTL budget ($19,766,964), has been dedicated to research and evaluation studies. More than 50 developmental, research, evaluation, and social marketing studies have been commissioned. Research indicates that the RTL initiative achieved significant gains in early literacy skills and that low-income children make greater gains than middle-class children, thus reducing the achievement gap. Communication Works will translate RTL research results for popular audiences and will draft up to eight media pieces touting the successful outcome of CPB’s current Ready To Learn grants. The firm will also produce a final research report summarizing the activities and findings of the Ready To Learn initiative.