What We Do
Our Mission
Our mission is to prepare young readers for personal and collective success through consistent one-to-one reading instruction provided by competent and nurturing volunteers.
We believe that strong literacy skills are not just important for success in reading but that they are the foundation from which kids can have access to the educational, economic, and social resources that lead to lifetime success. We’re Providing Equitable Access for Kids by making sure all students have the help they need to be confident, eager readers!
Our Program
The PEAK Literacy program helps students struggling with reading quickly catch up to their peers. We leverage technology, supportive feedback, and encouragement from a personal reading coach to empower kids to succeed. Most of our students see more than a year of reading growth in just the first three months!
How It Works
When a child enrolls in our program, their reading level is assessed. They are then paired with a trained reading coach - a volunteer from the community - who meets with them online five days a week for short, 15-minute lessons using the Great Leaps literacy software. During each lesson, coaches connect with students, encourage them with support and feedback, and evaluate their progress. The software also tracks progress and monthly evaluations let us know when goals are reached or if a further intervention (such as testing for a reading disability) might be needed.
Because our lessons are online and just 15-minutes a day, they can fit into any schedule! We can even help with resources for those lacking adequate internet or connected devices.
Our coaches and enrolled students often come from very different backgrounds, providing an opportunity to connect across racial, economic and geographic boundaries. Twice a year we hold in-person events like bowling or field days so that students can connect with their coaches in person and just have fun!
Become one of reading coaches! Learn more and sign up today!