My brother Liam’s dyslexia diagnosis at age 9 turned his world upside down, leaving him struggling to read and feeling isolated. Witnessing his challenges ignited a fire in me to make a difference, leading me to found the Galo Foundation at 16. Through tireless effort, we’ve raised significant funds to provide tutoring, helping over 150 New Jersey students unlock their potential and build confidence. Yet, this is just a drop in the bucket.

Across the U.S., an estimated 200,000 to 270,000 dyslexic students remain undiagnosed annually, with 80% of them from low-income or minority backgrounds. These students face a 20% higher risk of dropping out, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequity. In New Jersey alone, only 30% of schools offer adequate dyslexia support, leaving tens of thousands of children behind.

Current federal laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), support accommodations but do not mandate universal screening, leaving identification to inconsistent, often parent-driven evaluations. States like Texas and Florida have implemented K-2 screening mandates, demonstrating feasibility and impact by identifying students early and enabling targeted interventions like Orton-Gillingham tutoring. Only 15 states currently require universal screening, leaving millions of children at risk.

Universal screening in 2nd grade using the DIBELS assessment, costing about $10 per student. The long-term benefits are staggering—early intervention saves an average of $200,000 per student in special education costs over their lifetime, freeing resources for broader educational equity. Inspired by Princeton’s Effective Altruism course, which taught me to maximize impact. 

This issue hits close to home. My mother worked grueling hours—waking at 4 a.m. to embroider baby items for Etsy seven days a week while we slept—to afford Liam’s tutoring. Her sacrifice opened my eyes to the financial burden many families face, motivating me to advocate for systemic change. Now, as a Registered Investment Advisor with my newly earned FINRA Series 65 License, I’m using my financial expertise to manage the Galo Foundation’s resources efficiently, ensuring every dollar supports our mission.

I’m calling on you to sign this petition to help 150,000 New Jersey 2nd graders learn to read and thrive, breaking the barriers dyslexia imposes. Your support can pressure the US Department of Education to act, ensuring no child is left behind due to undiagnosed learning differences.

Join us at our fundraiser, Unlocking Literacy, on September 6, 2025, to raise funds for dyslexia screening and tutoring. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1389519543359?aff=oddtdtcreator to attend and contribute. Together, we can turn the page on this challenge!

Brian Gavin Casey
Founder, Galo Foundation