About Us

The Golden Ticket Foundation

is committed

to strengthening third-grade literacy through evidence-based reading instruction grounded in the science of reading. Recognizing that third grade marks the critical transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn,” the Foundation focuses its efforts on ensuring students have strong foundational skills in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

In partnership with local school districts and community organizations, The Golden Ticket Foundation supports the implementation of structured, systematic literacy practices, high-quality instructional materials, and ongoing progress monitoring.

To reinforce the importance of reading achievement, The Golden Ticket Foundation will award $250 to Monterey County third graders who pass the English OR Spanish state assessment in the spring—the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) or the California Spanish Assessment (CSA). By recognizing and celebrating academic accomplishment, the Foundation hopes to motivate aspiring readers and their families to prioritize reading success at home and at school.

Board of Directors

A woman with long brown hair and a warm smile, wearing a dark turtleneck, in front of a bookshelf.

Debie Montoya

Smiling woman with long dark hair, wearing earrings, standing in front of a leafy vegetable garden background.

Tama Bistrian

Chris Bunch

For more information please contact Susie Brusa: susie@thegoldenticketfoundation.org