IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! 2026 BACK-TO-SCHOOL!!! AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!
GPS Leadership Academy & Our Read to Lead Program
Our Flagship Initiative
š GPS Read to Lead Initiativeā¢
"You Cannot Lead, If You Cannot Read."
The GPS Read to Lead Initiativeā¢ is the cornerstone of GPS Leadership Academy. Built upon the belief that literacy is the foundation of lifelong success, the initiative equips students with the reading, comprehension, communication, and critical thinking skills necessary to become confident learners and effective leaders.
Reading is more than an academic subjectāit is the gateway to opportunity. Students who develop strong literacy skills are better prepared to lead in the classroom, succeed in college and careers, make informed decisions, and positively impact their communities.
Through evidence-based literacy instruction, leadership-focused reading experiences, mentoring, academic enrichment, and family engagement, the GPS Read to Lead Initiative empowers students to unlock their full potential.
GPS Leadership Academy was established in response to the growing literacy and academic achievement challenges facing Florida's children. Recent research from the Education Scorecard, developed by researchers at Harvard and Stanford, found that Florida experienced the steepest decline in reading achievement among the states studied following the pandemic. Recognizing the urgent need for early intervention, GPS Leadership Academy developed a comprehensive Reading & Academic Success Initiative that combines literacy enrichment, leadership development, mentoring, financial literacy, and academic support to help underserved students strengthen reading proficiency, build confidence, and improve long-term educational outcomes.
As a veteran Miami-Dade County Public Schools educator with nearly three decades of classroom experience, I witnessed a growing literacy crisis affecting students long before national headlines brought widespread attention to it. When subsequent research highlighted significant declines in student reading achievement, it confirmed what I had been observing firsthand in the classroom. Rather than simply acknowledging the problem, Green Pathways to Success established GPS Leadership Academy to provide a comprehensive solution that combines literacy, leadership development, mentoring, academic enrichment, financial literacy, and workforce readiness to help underserved students succeed.
š GPS Read to Lead Initiativeā¢
"You Cannot Lead, If You Cannot Read."
Purpose
The GPS Read to Lead Initiative is the Academy's literacy pillar, designed to strengthen reading proficiency while developing confident, informed, and capable young leaders. The initiative recognizes that reading is the foundation of academic achievement, effective communication, critical thinking, civic engagement, and lifelong leadership.
Students participating in the initiative will receive support through:
Mission Statement
The GPS Read to Lead Initiative empowers students to become confident readers, effective communicators, and future leaders by strengthening literacy skills that open doors to academic success, career opportunities, and community leadership.
š GPS Read to Lead Initiativeā¢
"You Cannot Lead, If You Cannot Read."
Vision
To empower every child with literacy skills, confidence, and critical thinking abilities necessary to become an informed student, engaged citizen, and future leader.
Mission
The GPS Read to Lead Initiative prepares underserved youths to excel academically and lead confidently by strengthening literacy, communication, comprehension, and lifelong learning skills through innovative educational experiences, mentorship, and leadership development.
Why It Matters
Research has highlighted significant declines in student reading achievement in recent years, with Florida experiencing some of the steepest setbacks following the pandemic. At the same time, educators across the state continue working to improve literacy outcomes because reading proficiency is foundational to success in every academic subject and in life.
GPS Leadership Academy believes that literacy is more than an academic skillāit is the foundation of leadership. Students who can read with confidence are better prepared to think critically, communicate effectively, solve problems, advocate for themselves, and serve their communities.
Because at GPS Leadership Academy, we believe one simple truth: "You Cannot Lead, If You Cannot Read."
GPS Leadership Academy, a program of Green Pathways to Success, Inc., exists to inspire and equip students with the knowledge, skills, character, and confidence to lead with purpose, achieve academic success, and create positive change within their schools, families, and communities. Through leadership development, academic enrichment, mentoring, life-readiness education, and community engagement, we empower every student to discover their potential and build a lifelong pathway to success.
Vision
GPS aims to become a premier leadership academy that transforms lives by developing confident learners, compassionate leaders, and engaged citizens who positively impact their schools, communities, and the world. We envision a future where every studentāregardless of background or circumstanceāhas access to the guidance, opportunities, and support needed to discover their purpose, reach their highest potential, and lead lives of excellence, integrity, and service.
Organization name
Green Pathways to Success Inc
other names
GPS Leadership Academy
Tax id (EIN)
93-1899297
Mission Category
Education & Youth
Program Site Locations
Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay, Richmond Heights, South Miami, West Perrine
Annual Operating Budget
$25,000 - $99,999
Primary Population Served
Black/African American/African, Low-Income Individuals/Families, Youth & Children
Address
9555 SW 175TH TER