The Algebra Project aims to help students and teachers in schools and communities achieve levels of math literacy appropriate for economic, educational, and civic life in the 21st century. The ability to read, write, and reason with the principal symbol systems of mathematics - both algebraic and geometric - is a right all young people in the nation are entitled to and are capable of attaining. Teachers must be supported to develop their mathematical knowledge and instructional practices to ensure they can reach all of their students. Students need the opportunity to develop themselves and support each other in math literacy. The future of our society depends on not only reading and writing literacy, but also math literacy, as a foundation for full participation and empowered citizenship.