See how improving student COMPREHENSION organically boosts engagement
Unlock reading growth for every secondary student
Try Zinc’s core program—in just two weeks, with six 15- to 20-minute sessions, students gain real reading power
Matt Bardin, Founder of Zinc
Why Teens Struggle with Reading
Even skilled decoders hit comprehension barriers. Motivation drops, stamina weakens, and traditional texts fail to connect.
Decoding and fluency take a back seat
Digital distractions lower engagement
One-size-fits-all instruction fails
The Zinc Approach: Science + Choice = Motivation
Zinc isn’t another workbook. By teaching four proven comprehension strategies and offering students their choice of engaging topics, Zinc connects to students’ intrinsic motivators to build real reading power.
How it works:
Level Placement: 30-minute assessment pinpoints each student’s starting point
Ignition: Core reading strategies delivered in short, interactive sessions
Lift Off: Authentic, student-driven texts + gamified vocabulary to build reading identity
Zinc Delivers Results That Matter
% of students who complete the program advance by an average of 1.5 grade levels in just two hours of structured reading time.
47
% of students say: “Yes, this helped me improve my reading”
85
% of students say: “Yes, I enjoyed the experience”
75
Hear Teachers Describe Zinc’s Classroom Impact
Aaron, 11th, California
Allison, 6th, Connecticut
Zinc: A Reading Growth Journey Powered By Choice
Each semester, students embark on a personalized reading journey that brings complex texts to life.
Level Placement—Find Each Student’s Baseline
This short assessment allows Zinc to engage each student with the right level of challenge.
Takes ~30 minutes
Students work at their own pace
Sets the optimal starting point for their reading journey
Ignition—Students Learn Key Reading Strategies
A reading growth program that teaches core skills through engaging content and interactive exercises.
Teaches Zinc’s four transformative reading skills
Differentiated by student level and interest
Builds reading confidence, enjoyment, and stamina
Lift Off – Build a Love of Reading
Students choose from curated content to reinforce skills and build their identities as readers
A wide variety of relevant, authentic texts
Gamified vocabulary and close reading
Powered by student choice
Choose Your Role
Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or parent/guardian, Zinc has a tailored path for you.
Ready to Transform Reading in Your Classroom or School?
Complete four short modules (10-20 minutes each) to be eligible for free Zinc licenses for all of your students