Issue: In Central Georgia, there is a pressing concern regarding students' reading proficiency by the time they reach third grade. 44% of students are not reading on grade level at this critical stage of their educational journey. This alarming statistic highlights a significant challenge in our community, as many children are not developing the essential reading skills necessary for their academic success and future growth.
UWCG's Role: United Way of Central Georgia plays a vital role in addressing the reading proficiency gap through Read United, a comprehensive literacy program that harnesses the power of volunteerism. This initiative combines school-based grade-level reading support with a structured tutoring model, creating a nurturing and effective learning environment for students. Tutoring occurs during the school day within a designated time block, ensuring that students receive the necessary support without disrupting their academic schedule. Moreover, students work with the same dedicated volunteer throughout the academic term, fostering a strong bond and personalized learning experience. To enhance students' progress, Read United utilizes Reading A-Z leveled reading support material, catering to individual learning needs and promoting a love for reading.
Impact: The impact of United Way of Central Georgia's efforts is transformative, as we strive to empower students and set them on a path to educational achievement. Among the success stories is Read United, where an impressive 76% of students participating in the program have shown remarkable progress. These young learners improved their reading scores by 50% or more, a testament to the effectiveness of the program and the dedication of our volunteers. Through Read United's two tutoring-based programs, AARP Foundation Experience Corps and Read2Succeed, our community volunteers work passionately to close achievement gaps, increase graduation rates, and break the cycle of poverty. With their unwavering commitment and dedication, these volunteers are making a significant and positive impact on our community, one young reader at a time.
When you volunteer with Read United, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on your community. Become a tutor today!
Our community volunteers at Read United are working hard to close achievement gaps, increase graduation rates, and break the cycle of poverty through two tutoring-based programs: AARP Foundation Experience Corps and Read2Succeed.
AARP Foundation Experience Corps is an intergenerational model in which tutors who are at least 50 years old will work with a struggling student over time. You may not think you’re equipped to be a tutor or mentor to students who struggle with reading. However, the fact that you can read and impart that knowledge to a younger generation is success in itself.
Because volunteers are working with children of a vulnerable population, there are five requirements a volunteer must meet:
• Be at least 50 years of age
• Can schedule two- 1 and a half hour sessions of training
• Can serve between 2-4 hours a week, committing to the same 1-hour sessions each week
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Will agree to and pass a criminal background check
• Has access to a device with a strong internet connection as well as a secure webcam connection
The intergenerational factor is vital for AARP Foundation Experience Corps to succeed and for our community to thrive. There is value between intergenerational connection—what the elder can teach and what the young can give and vice versa. The intergenerational relationship and mentoring is just as important as the academic tutoring that will take place.
The Read2Succeed program is open to volunteers ages 18 and older who would like to tutor students in reading for at least one hour a week. The program lasts from early September to late April and follows the school holiday calendar. Volunteers participate in five hours of training throughout the school year and the schools provide all tutoring materials.
The weekly tutoring sessions will be either 1-on-1 or in a group setting. Volunteers communicate with a designated volunteer coordinator at the school throughout the program. Read2Succeed requires that volunteers have a GED or high school diploma and a completed background check.
With Read2Succeed, the goal is to join teachers as another layer of assistance to these kids who may be struggling. Read2Succeed helps them learn to read, which will affect the rest of their lives. Whether learning to read affects the choices they make or what they’re able to do, it’s one of the most important things in life.
