For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties’ Women United is seeking to recruit over 100 volunteer reading mentors for the 2018-2019 school year.

The Learning for Life Reading Mentor Program matches volunteers with students, kindergarten to third grade, who could use a little extra help with their reading skills.  Participating schools include:  Grove Elementary School, Humke Elementary School, Port Edwards Elementary School, Mead Elementary Charter School, and Washington Elementary School.

Responsibilities include:  meeting weekly with your student(s) for 45-60 minutes, from October-May; read to your student(s) or have them read to you, depending on their age, grade, and reading level; and possibly even play literacy games.

Volunteers need to fill out an application, pass a background check, and attend a training in September.

In addition to receiving extra reading time, students benefit because the program provides them with an extra trusted adult in their lives. The goal is to ensure that all students are able to read at the proficient level by the end of third grade.

“If you have the time and the heart, we encourage you to get involved,” said Tari Jahns, CEO and Women United member.  “It is so important for our students to be reading proficiently in their early years.  Volunteers can make that happen.  Students need time and attention from caring adults, so this is also a perfect way to accomplish that.”

To volunteer, visit uwswac.org and click on the Learning for Life banner.