Why is Reading Important?
Literacy is the foundation for all learning. Research shows that reading proficiently by the end of third grade is one of the strongest predictors of high school graduation and long term success. When students are on the cusp of meeting grade level expectations, timely support can make all the difference in building confidence and keeping them on track.
The ability to read at grade level by third grade has lasting impacts not only for individual students, but for our entire community. Students who are not reading proficiently by this milestone are four times more likely to leave school before graduating. Strengthening reading skills early helps set students up for success in school and beyond.
See The Impact: Meet Maya
"Because of my Readers Are leaders tutor, Miss Jamice, I learned to love reading. We would laugh, talk about the stories, and she always told me how proud she was of me. When I made mistakes, she helped me keep going. When I got better, she cheered for me...she taught me to never give up and to always keep learning."
Join Us
Reading at grade level by third grade is a critical milestone, and you can be part of making that happen. By volunteering with Readers Are Leaders, you directly support students who are working toward that goal, helping strengthen their skills and confidence through consistent, one-on-one support.
Your time contributes to stronger outcomes for students and a stronger future for our community. It is a simple commitment with meaningful impact.
No previous experience is needed. All the training and resources you need to be successful will be provided.
Complete Our Interest Form
If you are interest in becoming a tutor, please submit our quick interest form.
Program Details
In Partnership with KUSD
The Readers Are Leaders tutoring program, a United Way of Kenosha County led initiative in collaboration with Kenosha Unified School District, local businesses and community members, utilizing data provided by Building Our Future, provides young children in grades kindergarten through second grade with tutors on a regular basis to increase reading achievement in the early grades.
Volunteers are required to submit a background check with KUSD yearly to volunteer.
KUSD will guide all incoming volunteers with an orientation and training before tutoring begins.
In just 30 minutes per week, Readers Are Leaders volunteers are helping students become more confident and capable readers.
Tutoring takes place during school hours, Late October/November through May.
Student Selection
Classroom teachers and school site coordinators at the Readers Are Leaders schools recommend students to participate in the Readers Are Leaders program.
Recommended students are those approaching grade level reading proficiency and are very likely to increase reading skills with the extra support and encouragement that the Readers Are Leaders tutors provide.
The goal of the program is for selected students to become more confident and capable independent readers. That goal is achievable because of the many dedicated volunteer tutors in our community who have stepped forward to spend time reading with students.
Here's a Snapshot of the Program
- Runs November through May
- Just 30 minutes once a week
- Work one-on-one with the same student each session
- No prior experience needed
- Training and materials provided
- Background check required before starting
- Six school locations across the community
- Celebrations at the end of the year to celebrate your school's program
More Than 10 Years of Support
The Readers Are Leaders Program began as a three year pilot program at McKinley Elementary between 2014-2018 with an average of 65 tutors working with 45 students.
Entering its 12th program year, in partnership with Kenosha Unified School District, the program aims to engage 115+ tutors with students.
Since the tutoring program began, volunteers have given more than 10,200 hours to the students.
Students benefit from participation in the Readers Are Leaders program by helping students get the skills they need to succeed as life-long learners and beyond.
Readers Are Leaders has Expanded to the Summer!
In partnership with Carthage College and the Kenosha Emerging Leaders Academy, we have supported local students during the summer to continue tutoring. Our Summer Camp collaboration began last year and will continue this summer.
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