Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Tuesday a $3 million expansion of the Young Adult Literacy Program, which targets disconnected youths who read between the fourth and eighth grade level.

There are now 17 sites across the five boroughs and it will serve nearly 1,000 participants this year.

"Too many young men in our city are stuck in dead ends, and for many of them, the problem starts and stops with illiteracy. But here's the good news: this is a problem that can be overcome."

"Many young adults can benefit from these services," said YALP participant Louis Chavez. "I am very proud and grateful that my neighborhood offers me an opportunity to get back on the right track. These programs can help me and my generation realize that the sky is the limit."

Sony is also donating 1,500 e-readers to help with the effort.

The literacy program is the first component of Bloomberg's Young Men's Initiative to be funded and launched.

The initiative helps connect young black and Latino men to educational, employment, and mentoring opportunities.