READY emerged from a two-year community engagement process led by Dr. Shanai Lee and supported by a number of community-based organizations, national and local foundations, and Rochester community members. READY’s Parent Action Academy builds parents’ and caregivers’ of color capacities and abilities to advocate for the educational change needed for their children to access and attend quality K-12 schools. READY also partners with Rochester families, educators, community members, and existing not-for-profits to launch and sustain high-quality schools for the children who need them most.