We each can play an important role in the education of our youth. Ready. Set. READ!'s volunteer tutoring program offers opportunities for individuals, employees, college students, retirees, and others to help boost early grade reading proficiency, and ultimately academic and life success.

The initial pilot program centered on four elementary schools within the Muhlenberg and Reading School Districts. Expansion efforts are now underway and connecting tutors with students at additional schools and districts, including Lorane Elementary School in Exeter Township School District, Tilden Elementary School in Hamburg Area School District and five other Reading School District schools, including 13th & Union Elementary, 16th & Haak Elementary, Amanda Stout Elementary, Millmont Elementary and Riverside Elementary. Volunteer tutors now represent education majors enrolled at Albright College, Alvernia University, Kutztown University and Penn State Berks, as well as retired educators and community members. Volunteers meet with identified 2nd grade students one hour each week to provide supplemental instruction to build comprehension and fluency. Through these heightened efforts, nearly 70 additional students will receive help.

We are also working with several corporate partners to recruit employees as additional volunteers. For the next school year, our goal is to secure a total of 300 volunteers. 

To learn more about tutoring and other volunteer opportunities, visit www.ReadySetReadBerks.org or contact Darby Wiekrykas at darbyw@uwberks.org or 610.685.4574.