The America Reads program provides one-on-one reading tutoring to K-3rd grade students who have been identified by Lewiston or Clarkston School Districts as below reading grade level. The tutor sits with one student at a time and either reads to them, listens to them read, or helps them with reading-related concepts. This gives much-needed one-on-one time to students who may not have other one-on-one time at school or home.
This time is essential for good reading skills for the student, and it is time that the teacher of a classroom with 25 students doesn’t have available. Reading skills are essential to all other learning. The ability to read leads to greater achievement in all other areas of learning, which increases academic development. This development often leads to greater confidence and esteem, which translates into greater positive social development.
Tutors volunteer at least one hour a week, one day a week, but many tutors serve for longer than an hour or give more than one day a week. The tutors continue this schedule for the school calendar year and then break for summer. Most tutors return year after year.
In the 2022/2023 school year, 166 students received tutoring from 15 America Reads volunteers. The America Reads program has a 75% - 80% success rate at helping K-3rd grade students become grade-level readers!
If you would like more information about America Reads, call Jeanette Wheaton at 208-746-7787 or email her at volunteer@wivc.org.
Become a Volunteer
Volunteering in your community leads to a sense of fulfillment, decreasing stress and promoting a general feeling of well-being. When you volunteer regularly, you gain for yourself as much as you give to others. Click below to find volunteer opportunities that will utilize your skills and talents.