Reading Allies Seeking 200 Volunteers For This Semester

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Reading Allies is looking for 200 additional volunteers for its program that starts the week of Sept. 9.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

This semester the elementary literacy program aims to support 16 Title I schools in the City of Tuscaloosa and the county school system.

Made possible by the Tuscaloosa Education Foundation, Reading Allies pairs community volunteers with first, second, or third graders struggling with reading by employing a 10-week model including personalized lessons for each student and trained volunteers conducting 30-minute tutoring sessions.

Reading Allies says volunteers receive a brief, 30-minute virtual training on literacy best practices and effective tutoring techniques, with no preparation required from the volunteers.

Data from the 2023-24 Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) shows that over 80% of Reading Allies second and third-graders met or exceeded state reading benchmarks.

Volunteers can commit to one 30-minute session per week, Monday through Thursday, with the option to serve more if desired. The program will run from its September start date through Nov. 18.

Reading Allies said this semester’s program will support nearly 400 students across 16 elementary schools, requiring a total of 800 volunteer slots.

Participating schools include:

• Arcadia Elementary.
• Central Elementary.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary.
• Oakdale Elementary.
• Skyland Elementary.
• Southview Elementary.
• Cottondale Elementary.
• Crestmont Elementary.
• Flatwoods Elementary.
• The Alberta School of Performing Arts.
• University Place Elementary.
• Vance Elementary.
• Holt Elementary.
• Englewood Elementary.
• Taylorville Primary School.
• Matthews Elementary.

Click here to volunteer or learn more about the program.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.