Who We Are
About AIM
By setting new standards for educational excellence, we are empowering educators and accelerating progress for all learners.
Literacy opens the door for all future successes, yet 65% of American 4th graders cannot read at grade level.
As a nonprofit organization, AIM turns the latest research into cutting-edge teaching strategies and tools to transform literacy education. We have seen firsthand how implementing literacy best practices uplifts every child, from struggling readers to those with language-based learning differences.
That is the North Star that guides our renowned community of educators and researchers as we collaborate to uncover how children best learn to read — and how to bring that knowledge into classrooms at scale.
Our Why: Transforming and Empowering 100 Million Lives Through Literacy
![AIM Founders Pat Roberts and Nancy Blair]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761930257/n6sn7l8gk70ckdebiy1v/patroberts-and-nancyblair.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761930257/n6sn7l8gk70ckdebiy1v/patroberts-and-nancyblair.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761930257/n6sn7l8gk70ckdebiy1v/patroberts-and-nancyblair.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1761930257/n6sn7l8gk70ckdebiy1v/patroberts-and-nancyblair.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1761930257/n6sn7l8gk70ckdebiy1v/patroberts-and-nancyblair.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1761930257/n6sn7l8gk70ckdebiy1v/patroberts-and-nancyblair.jpg","width":2200}])
Why We Started
When two mothers watched their daughters struggle to learn to read, they asked a simple question: Why is this so hard?
![Global Innovation Hub 2nd Floor Image]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761930199/uk5yzn9cvtxb9qdwyyfc/InnovationHub2ndfloor.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761930199/uk5yzn9cvtxb9qdwyyfc/InnovationHub2ndfloor.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761930199/uk5yzn9cvtxb9qdwyyfc/InnovationHub2ndfloor.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1761930199/uk5yzn9cvtxb9qdwyyfc/InnovationHub2ndfloor.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1761930199/uk5yzn9cvtxb9qdwyyfc/InnovationHub2ndfloor.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1761930199/uk5yzn9cvtxb9qdwyyfc/InnovationHub2ndfloor.jpg","width":2200}])
Why We Innovate
We’re committed to transforming literacy education for as many students and educators as possible.
![AIM Impact Slide Image]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761930853/manayunk/manayunk/weori1zvpk3okecjp6uq/AIMImpactSlide_4x3.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761930853/manayunk/manayunk/weori1zvpk3okecjp6uq/AIMImpactSlide_4x3.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761930853/manayunk/manayunk/weori1zvpk3okecjp6uq/AIMImpactSlide_4x3.png","width":600}])
Why We’re Encouraged
Individually, we drive change — together, we ignite a movement.
AIM’s dual mission is to:
Develop a center for educational excellence and professional development to disseminate best practices to educators by providing access to the latest research-based curriculum, technology, and training.
Provide extraordinary educational opportunities to children with language-based learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, utilizing research-based intervention strategies and an arts-based learning environment that is college preparatory in scope and sequence.
Our Core Purpose and Values
Core Purpose: We transform and empower lives through literacy.
Core Values:
- Research to Practice
- Fearless Innovation
- Partner for Impact
- Transform the Future of Education
Our Community
Our impact is fueled by the strength of our community. Select your role to explore how we can partner to transform literacy education for all.
![Educator]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761164258/manayunk/sdelsx2yrswwjqjetpwz/ErinSerock.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761164258/manayunk/sdelsx2yrswwjqjetpwz/ErinSerock.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761164258/manayunk/sdelsx2yrswwjqjetpwz/ErinSerock.png","width":756}])
“AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading just opened up a door for me. It wasn’t because I had to do something that was required of me, but it sparked something in me.” - Erin Serock, School District of Philadelphia
![Researcher]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761163530/manayunk/em9j7dhl7u03zbmlwpmc/DonCompton.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761163530/manayunk/em9j7dhl7u03zbmlwpmc/DonCompton.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761163530/manayunk/em9j7dhl7u03zbmlwpmc/DonCompton.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1761163530/manayunk/em9j7dhl7u03zbmlwpmc/DonCompton.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1761163530/manayunk/em9j7dhl7u03zbmlwpmc/DonCompton.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1761163530/manayunk/em9j7dhl7u03zbmlwpmc/DonCompton.jpg","width":2200}])
“AIM’s commitment to research filters all the way down to the kids, their parents, the staff, the administrators, the research advisory board…all are interested in promoting a scientific approach to instruction for kids that’s advantageous to the kids, and the teachers, and ultimately to society.” - Dr. Don Compton, Florida Center for Reading & Research
![Superintendent]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761245553/manayunk/lkgemesf0cumjtdlmrak/KhalekKirkland.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761245553/manayunk/lkgemesf0cumjtdlmrak/KhalekKirkland.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761245553/manayunk/lkgemesf0cumjtdlmrak/KhalekKirkland.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1761245553/manayunk/lkgemesf0cumjtdlmrak/KhalekKirkland.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1761245553/manayunk/lkgemesf0cumjtdlmrak/KhalekKirkland.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1761245553/manayunk/lkgemesf0cumjtdlmrak/KhalekKirkland.jpg","width":2200}])
“I would brag to everybody, [AIM training] is what we’re doing. This is what District 23 Brownsville is doing to help our children and to help our staff to become reading specialists.” - Dr. Khalek Kirkland, Superintendent NYC District 23 (Brownsville)
![Student]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761886618/manayunk/mlzddyanlhwcfnswnayw/RobertNewman.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761886618/manayunk/mlzddyanlhwcfnswnayw/RobertNewman.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761886618/manayunk/mlzddyanlhwcfnswnayw/RobertNewman.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1761886618/manayunk/mlzddyanlhwcfnswnayw/RobertNewman.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1761886618/manayunk/mlzddyanlhwcfnswnayw/RobertNewman.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1761886618/manayunk/mlzddyanlhwcfnswnayw/RobertNewman.jpg","width":2200}])
"Without AIM, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I wouldn’t have the education I have and I definitely wouldn’t have gone to law school." Robert Newman '19
![Parent]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765300361/ya8trqvk6vibspj3ttlq/SheannaBias.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765300361/ya8trqvk6vibspj3ttlq/SheannaBias.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765300361/ya8trqvk6vibspj3ttlq/SheannaBias.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1765300361/ya8trqvk6vibspj3ttlq/SheannaBias.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1765300361/ya8trqvk6vibspj3ttlq/SheannaBias.jpg","width":1284}])
"AIM has been amazing, I knew we belonged the 1st year because I saw my daughter grow into a confident reader." Sheanna Bias, Lower School Parent
We founded AIM to propel change for our daughters who were struggling to read. Two decades later, we’re more determined than ever to keep driving progress until every child can experience the life-changing impact of literacy. The bridge between AIM Academy and AIM Institute for Learning & Research is essential to making that vision a reality. We don’t just study the science of learning to read — we also live it everyday alongside our own teachers and students. By developing and refining evidence-based literacy instruction in our own classrooms, we’re able to share what works to spark change nationwide. Patricia M. Roberts and Nancy Blair
Co-Founders of AIM
AIM Through the Years
Two mothers open the doors to the Academy in Manayunk, a nonprofit school and research institute dedicated to championing literacy for all children, including those with language-based learning differences.
To accommodate a growing student body along with increased teacher training and in-classroom research, the Academy in Manayunk leases 1200 River Road and moves to its current location in Conshocken, PA in January 2012. With the school’s evolution comes a new name: AIM Academy.
AIM launches the Research to Practice Symposium, an annual conference that brings together the field’s top researchers and practitioners to share their knowledge and expertise.
AIM Institute receives a Reimagine Education Gold Award in the Science of Learning category at the December 2020 conference for its AIM Pathways digital teacher training platform.
AIM launches the Global Innovation Hub and Learning Space, a visionary hub that leverages partnerships, technology, and innovation to pioneer immersive learning and research opportunities for AIM Academy and beyond.
Keep Exploring
AIM Pathways Learning
Choose your learning path with AIM Pathways professional learning that is interactive, research and evidence-based and brings the science of reading to life.
Research Advisory Board
A group of leading international researchers and experts who guide AIM’s product content, ensure rigor, and help connect AIM’s initiatives to the broader scientific community.