The Basic definition of illiteracy is the inability to read and write. Today in America, 92 million Americans have low or very low literacy skills and cannot read above the 6th grade level.

According to the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), illiteracy has overtaken one-third of America's children by the fourth grade, including two-thirds of African-American students, and almost half of all children in the inner cities.

The goal of the Michael Miller Foundation/Beating the Odds Foundation is to eliminate illiteracy in our communities by providing books, computers, conducting workshops, as well as funding for tutoring programs in state and federal prisons and reform schools, where one-half of all adults cannot read or write at all. And only about one-third of those in prison have completed high school.

Michael Miller’s own passionate testimony as to how books changed his life gives hope to those who have been enslaved by the shackles of illiteracy. In 6 short years, he went from a G.E.D. to a PhD candidate, to becoming a college professor, inspirational speaker, and now, a best selling author. “It’s Not Where You Start, Its Where You Finish,” he says! “And I’m not even finish yet."

In 1998, after completing his G.E.D., he began reading self-help books and autobiographies. Initially out of boredom, but as time went on, out of curiosity. "I was searching for something," he said. "As it turned out I was searching for Michael Miller." The first book he read, which also renewed his interest in reading was The Autobiography of Dr. Ben Carson, Gifted Hands, who he admits was one of his greatest inspirations. After years of not having read a single book from cover to cover, he was going through as many as three books a week. The fire was lit! And the rest, as they say, is history.

Please support the Michael Miller Foundation for Literacy and help us light the fire of hope and inspiration for all of our children, and their parents. Join with us to help achieve our goal of making sure that every child and adult in this country knows how to read and write. "As Stated by Malcolm X, Education is the passport for the future" Michael says, "and I'm living proof!"

The Michael Miller Foundation, (Section 501(c)(3)) a non-profit organization was formed to eliminate illiteracy as well as promote technology and is dedicated to education, support and advancement in our communities.