Programming updates in Colorado and Silicon Valley

At Reading Partners, one of our core values is “Big challenges are our thing.” Like many other organizations, we’ve faced some big ones over the past few years—and they’ve inspired us to reimagine how we deliver on our mission. 

As many of you know, we made the difficult decision to end our direct tutoring programs in public schools across Colorado and Silicon Valley. We shared at the time that while our traditional in-school model was winding down, our commitment to these communities and to advancing literacy for local students remained strong.

We’re thrilled to share that this commitment is coming to life in new and exciting ways this year.

Here’s how this new chapter is unfolding:

• • Community-based partnerships: We’re now collaborating with local and school libraries to reach students where they are.
  • Proven curriculum and delivery method: We’re using the Reading Partners Connects curriculum for in-person tutoring with these new partnerships. Our development of our online tutoring platform empowers our partners to easily launch and manage the program while still building trusting relationships with students in person.
  • Empowering local leaders: Instead of having on-the-ground Reading Partners staff and AmeriCorps members, we’re training library and school staff to implement our evidence-based curriculum and provide high-quality literacy support. 
  • Continued growth: Both Colorado and Silicon Valley have plans to build new partnerships and expand their reach, ensuring more students have access to effective literacy tutoring and support.

In Colorado

In Denver, our team has trained the librarian at one of our former partner schools (Harris Park) to launch a new Powered by Reading Partners tutoring program this fall. This library-led tutoring program is planning to enroll 30 students in its first year, and we’ve been re-engaging volunteers from the Harris Park community for this new opportunity. Tutoring is set to start in the first week of November. 

We’re using this model in other areas too, such as Seattle, where we’re teaming up with five new collective impact partners that will likely launch in January.

Looking ahead, we hope to expand to more schools in the Denver area throughout the year.

In Silicon Valley

In San Jose, we’ve partnered with the San Jose Public Libraries to bring Powered by Reading Partners tutoring to two library branches this school year. Library staff have been trained to use the Reading Partners curriculum and are receiving ongoing coaching and support to ensure their success. 

This partnership is already opening new doors for local students and families to receive literacy support in a community where Reading Partners has deep roots. This year, our partners expect to work with around 30 families with the goal of taking our learnings and scaling to a bigger impact. 

Interested in getting involved? Click here or below to sign up tutor.

VOLUNTEER IN SAN JOSE

Looking ahead

Our transition out of direct service in schools was not a farewell; it was a step toward a new model of making literacy accessible to more students through community integration.

We remain deeply connected to the Colorado and Silicon Valley communities that have supported Reading Partners for so many years, and we’re excited to continue growing this next chapter with you.

Thank you for standing with us through change, through challenge, and through the enduring belief that every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader.

If you’re interested in learning more about our collective impact work in Colorado or Silicon Valley and/or getting your organization involved, click here or below:

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