© 2026 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace St.
Buffalo, NY 14202

Toronto Address:
130 Queens Quay E.
Suite 903
Toronto, ON M5A 0P6


Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
BTPM NPR Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Differing shades of blue wavering throughout the image
Give Now
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
What’s Next?

What Is Being Done to Address Literacy Challenges in Western New York

Published May 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT
Ways To Subscribe
Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 347" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "What Is Being Done to Address Literacy Challenges in Western New York", then a photo of Anne Ryan with her name underneath.

Early literacy plays a critical role in a child’s long-term success, and organizations across Western New York are working to strengthen reading skills from an early age. On this episode of What’s Next?, Anne Ryan, Executive Director of Read to Succeed Buffalo, discusses the importance of teaching reading from birth through third grade and the impact of programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. She also highlights the success of the Experience Corps tutoring program, where volunteers work one-on-one with students in Buffalo and Niagara Falls to help improve reading outcomes and build confidence.

What's Next? 2026
Stay Connected
Latest Episodes
  • What Does Accountability Look Like Four Years After May 14
    As Buffalo approaches the fourth anniversary of the May 14 Tops mass shooting, this episode of What’s Next? centers on reflection, accountability, and community dialogue.
  • What Does Truth Be Told Reveal About Race and Inequality in Western New York
    In this special episode of What’s Next?, we revisit powerful conversations from Truth Be Told, Buffalo Toronto Public Media’s 12-part podcast series hosted by Wil Green exploring the lasting effects of systemic racism across Western New York.
  • What Does the Future of Local Farming Look Like in Western New York
    On this episode of What’s Next?, Executive Director Kristen Heltman-Weiss and Deputy Director Hamadi Ali.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 343" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "How Regina Barber Connects Science, Race, and Storytelling", then a photo of Regina Barber with her name underneath.
    How Regina Barber Connects Science, Race, and Storytelling
    Today on What’s Next?, we speak with Regina Barber, physicist and host of NPR’s Short Wave. Barber shares how her upbringing in a racially divided community and her love of Star Trek helped shape her path into science. The conversation also explores the ongoing challenges and progress around racial equity.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 342" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "What Does NYSDOT's Queen City Forawrd Plan Mean for the East Side", then photos of Taje Jenkins-Jones and Ryan Whalen with their names underneath.
    What Does NYSDOT’s Queen City Forward Plan Mean for the East Side
    Today on What’s Next?, we take a closer look at the future of the Kensington Expressway through the Queen City Forward initiative. We speak with Taje Jenkins-Jones and Ryan Whalen of the New York State Department of Transportation about how listening sessions are helping shape the process and why input from residents, especially those most impacted, is critical.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 341" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "Funding Challenges Facing SUNY Campuses in New York", then a photo of Fred Kowal with his name underneath.
    Funding Challenges Facing SUNY Campuses in New York
    SUNY campuses across New York are facing mounting financial challenges, with Buffalo State and SUNY Fredonia dealing with significant structural deficits. In this episode of What’s Next?, Fred Kowal, President of United University Professions, discusses the impact of past budget cuts, the current funding gap, and what it means for students and faculty.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 340" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "UB Law Report on Immigration Enforcement and Local Police Cooperation", then a photo of Paul Linden-Retek with his name underneath.
    UB Law Report on Immigration Enforcement and Local Police Cooperation
    A new report from the University at Buffalo School of Law examines the impact of cooperation between local agencies and federal immigration enforcement, highlighting concerns about human rights and community trust. In this episode of What’s Next?, we explore the findings of Ending Complicity: The Harms of State and Local Collusion with Federal Immigration Enforcement.
  • Producer’s Pick feat. Ben Hilligas, Jessica Bauer Walker, Sam Radford and Syntyia Taylor
    On this episode we highlight three conversations heard on previous episodes. We revisit conversations with Ben Hilligas, Jessica Bauer Walker, Sam Radford, and Syntyia Taylor.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 338" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "Addressing Trafficking and Supporting Women Survivots", then a photo of Kelly Diane Galloway with her name underneath.
    Addressing Trafficking and Supporting Women Survivors
    Human trafficking remains a hidden crisis impacting vulnerable communities across the country. In this episode of What’s Next?, Kelly Diane Galloway, founder of Project Mona’s House, shares her journey and the mission behind her organization.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 337" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "How Buffalo Organizations Are Building Career Pathways", then photos of LuAnne Brown and Asantewa Holley with their names underneath.
    How Buffalo Organizations Are Building Career Pathway
    On this episode of What’s Next?, Luanne Brown of the Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network and Asantewa Holley of the Northland Workforce Training Center discuss how their programs are helping individuals access job training, transportation, and family support services.