November 2, 2023
Federal Work Study at Reading Partners: What it is and why it’s important
by Ally Bush

Federal Work Study students make a huge difference at Reading Partners, while earning money and gaining real-world experience.
Important COVID-19 information: Our Programs | FAQs | Resources for families
November 2, 2023
by Ally Bush
Federal Work Study students make a huge difference at Reading Partners, while earning money and gaining real-world experience.
June 22, 2023
by Tami MacDonald
Volunteer coordinators are tabling experts. Here, Tami explains what tabling is, how to be prepared, and what happens afterward.
April 20, 2023
by Brettin Fox
Here are some ways public libraries serve communities, ideas for celebrating National Library Week, and ways you can support your library.
April 11, 2023
by Ally Bush
In honor of National Volunteer Week, we chatted with Mary Jane, a volunteer in Reading Partners Silicon Valley who has been tutoring for 20 years.
April 11, 2023
by Ally Bush
In honor of National Volunteer Week, we chatted with Janet Romano, a volunteer in Reading Partners NYC who has been tutoring for 11 years.
April 11, 2023
by Ally Bush
In honor of National Volunteer Week, we chatted with Alvin Lee, a volunteer in Reading Partners NYC who has been tutoring for seven years.
March 31, 2023
Each year, we honor remarkable members of the Reading Partners community. Here are the stories of our 2023 One For The Books Honorees.
July 21, 2022
by Maurice Huff
Check out how reading is a great tool for promoting positive self care and life management skills in children.
December 9, 2021
by Tracy Hoover
COVID-19 disproportionally impacted communities across the US. Here’s what Reading Partners is doing about it and how you can help.
November 29, 2021
For the second year in a row, Reading Partners has been awarded Nicholas Kristof’s Holiday Impact Prize, supported by Focusing Philanthropy.
June 30, 2021
by Jaycee Pilpe
Serving with Reading Partners allows you to be at the center of education. Lend your talents and time to students in your community.
June 14, 2021
by Nya Spence
Juneteenth commemorates the day that General Gordon Granger announced to the slaves in Galveston, Texas that they were free. Read on to learn more about the little-known history of Juneteenth.
May 6, 2021
by Khassaundra Whitehead
As we celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month this May, we are proud to share our partnership with Panda Express.
April 2, 2021
Our Women’s History Month showcase featured art, poetry, side hustles, and more from our female staff and AmeriCorps members.
January 13, 2021
by Michelle Bowers
A growth mindset: what is it and what tools can our community use to cultivate one in both ourselves and in our students?
October 28, 2020
by Nemanja Demic
It’s important to be intentional about how you’re talking about politics, civic engagement, and democracy with your kids. Here are some tips.
September 2, 2020
Addressing urgent literacy needs during COVID-19 and beyond
The challenges and changes presented by COVID-19 have impacted many aspects of our daily…
June 23, 2020
by Rohan Kumar
Here’s how a volunteer coordinator learned about the process of data management and the value of putting data into action.
June 14, 2020
by Karine Apollon
To the Reading Partners community,
I write to you with bittersweet news. After nearly three and a half years leading Reading Partners, I will be…
April 24, 2020
by Paloma Mariz
Knowing that students will need a lot of support to catch up after COVID-19, we’re seeking the commitment of returning volunteers to support students in the new school year.
April 16, 2020
by Paloma Mariz
While we couldn’t have anticipated the school closures caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, Reading Partners’ teams were caught off guard (in the best…
April 6, 2020
by Karine Apollon
To the Reading Partners community,
The last time I reached out, I emphasized that Reading Partners is hyper-focused on developing programs…
March 16, 2020
by Karine Apollon
In the face of this imposing challenge, Reading Partners is focusing on our students and the safety of our communities.
November 18, 2019
If you can’t read your options are limited, reading opens all doors. Here’s how a passion for reading can give you a wok-life balance.
August 21, 2019
by Paloma Mariz
As summer begins to cool down, kids across the country are gearing up for another busy school year. For many students, transitioning from long, warm…
April 22, 2019
by Alexis Acciani
Returning volunteers are invaluable to volunteer-driven programs like Reading Partners. Act now to commit to the next chapter of students’ success.
March 26, 2019
by Khassaundra Whitehead
Two leaders from Panda Cares share their thoughts about the importance of reading aloud and their favorite children’s books.
December 10, 2018
by Sarah Balcazar
Over the past 20 years, Reading Partners has engaged more than 55,000 volunteer tutors, with diverse backgrounds and experiences, to help kids become…
October 29, 2018
by Monique Garcia
Qualcomm is a company known for their global impact in technology, but it’s their dedication to giving back to the local community that stands out…
August 24, 2018
Here in the Bay Area, 86% of our student body is students of color, but only 17% of the books they are reading are by authors of color. At Reading…
July 23, 2018
by Shannon David
When she’s not busy with her real estate business, Ann Farrow can be found tutoring a Reading Partners student at Eugene Field Elementary School. She’s been volunteering with Reading Partners since the fall of 2016 and believes so strongly that all children deserve to reach their full potential.
July 16, 2018
by Anton Taylor
I decided to serve as an AmeriCorps member in Detroit Public Schools as a tutor, mentor, and role model. This turned out to be a pivotal year in my life. It helped me further understand the importance of service and how each individual can play a role in helping rebuild our communities.
June 11, 2018
by Tyler Wilch
Many nonprofit organizations depend on the support of compassionate community volunteers to advance their impact. At Reading Partners, our volunteer tutors are central to our mission—they are the driving force for progress.
May 17, 2018
by Helen Hope Kimbrough
In March 2014, I encountered a masterful article, Where Are The People of Color in Children’s Books, written by Walter Dean Myers, an American…
May 7, 2018
by Madeline Hatcher
Are you looking for ideas on how to maximize your charitable impact in 2018 and beyond? From becoming a weekly tutor, to participating in events, or hosting a fundraiser, there are many ways for anyone and everyone to take part in the fight to improve children’s literacy.
April 26, 2018
by Cody Howard
I sat down with Dan to get an inside view of his experience as a Reading Partners board member and learn more about what Reading Partners has in store for the years ahead.
April 10, 2018
by Rachel Morgan
The movement in response to the early literacy gap among American students presents itself as a promising reminder of the values we hold in common.
March 7, 2018
by Hannah Grace
Reading Partners Silicon Valley was the lucky beneficiary of the efforts of a classroom of first grade students motivated to help other kids. A teacher in Saratoga started the tradition of working on a project that combines reading, writing, math, and philanthropy. The class organizes a book drive for Reading Partners students that collects thousands of books — this year, the number totaled 3,930!
January 16, 2018
by Katie Priske
Studies show that reading can help kids build developmental skills of emotional intelligence and empathy, enabling our young readers to better connect with other perspectives and human experiences.
January 11, 2018
by Cody Howard
On Monday, January 15, Reading Partners will once again show community pride and live into the AmeriCorps mission of “getting things done”.
January 8, 2018
by Madeline Hatcher
The early literacy crisis has broad and lasting implications for our students and their communities. Join us and be a part of the solution.
January 4, 2018
by Malika Christopher
In my daily work as an AmeriCorps volunteer organizer with Reading Partners I am able to see the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,”…
January 2, 2018
by Justin Harrison
Here at Reading Partners, we’d like to challenge you to participate in our Resolutions for Reading campaign by setting a resolution focused on bettering education in your community.
December 20, 2017
by Hannah Grace
One of the many benefits of being involved with Reading Partners, whether you are a volunteer, AmeriCorps member, or full-time employee, is working with wonderful students. I asked a few Reading Partners AmeriCorps members and staff to share some stories of students who inspire them, to remind us of the many ways in which our incredible students inspire us every day.
December 20, 2017
by Madeline Hatcher
As a child, the library was one of my favorite places, with its seemingly endless amount of books and the peaceful environment. I would spend hours curled up in “my” chair by the window, lost in another world.
December 7, 2017
This year, Charlotte founded a Reading Partners club at her school, through which students and teachers can join together to tutor in a nearby LA elementary school, and then share and discuss experiences.
October 23, 2017
by Sarah Balcazar
Berte Schachter, a retired business librarian and researcher, has always enjoyed giving back and has a history of helping people through different…
October 19, 2017
by Hannah Grace
This year, in lieu of gifts, empower your loved ones to spark change by making a donation to your favorite nonprofit organization.
October 17, 2017
As Hurricane Harvey closed out its devastation on Houston, AmeriCorps members were called to serve survivors who fled to North Texas.
September 18, 2017
by Zach Ward
It is 2:20 pm on a sunny Thursday afternoon at Trevista Elementary in Denver, CO. As you make your way through the halls, you’ll see classrooms of…
September 8, 2017
by Justin Harrison
In my vision of a perfect world, a community library would be found on every street corner. In this world, kids would not only have access to free books, but they could find them steps away from their own homes.
July 25, 2017
by Valeria Garcia
Low literacy levels are often correlated with poor health outcomes and poverty. This crisis affects all of us, but we can take action to change this story.
June 12, 2017
by Shannon David
In South Carolina, a community of literacy champions made summer reading a reality for more than 800 children in need of extra reading support.
May 19, 2017
by Monica de la Cruz
By four o’clock Friday afternoon, a quiet calm settles across the elementary school campus. The custodian begins making the rounds, a string of…
May 17, 2017
by Sarah Westbrook
Reading Partners Tulsa was awarded the George Kaiser Family Foundation Award for Education by the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits.
May 1, 2017
by Sarah Balcazar
Pearson is known as the “world’s learning company,” and as such, literacy education is core to their work. The company regularly finds ways to…
April 6, 2017
by Marisa Morgan
Former superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools, Dr. Keith Ballard, served as an AmeriCorps member for a day at Eugene Field Elementary School.
March 22, 2017
by Rachel Minnick
Ron Craig, a tutor with Reading Partners Sacramento, wrote his own children’s book, Kye’s New Car, for his student who wanted learn more about cars.
November 7, 2016
by Maria McLean
Reading Partners DC convenes thought leaders from DC Public Schools to discuss the impact of tutoring and the importance of the DCPS Empowering Males of Color initiative.
July 21, 2016
by Jackie Walker
By becoming a reading partner, truancy officer Ms. McCann helped change third-grader Ashleigh’s attitude about school and learning.
July 8, 2016
by Valeria Garcia
Volunteers can make a profound impact on individual students’ lives, but also on the condition of their entire communities.
June 24, 2016
by Amy Wade
Eight Reading Partners SF Bay Area students from Allendale Elementary and Think College Now were invited to Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
June 7, 2016
by Virginia Isble
In partnership with Sacramento Gang Prevention and Intervention Taskforce, Reading Partners Sacramento is working to reduce gang activity through literacy.
May 25, 2016
by Kate Brown
The Cynthia Graham Hurd Foundation is honoring her memory by hosting a book drive to support Reading Partners Charleston and Reading Partners Charlotte.
May 9, 2016
by Graham Sutherland
A group of Saint Paul College students have spent the year delivering up to 20 hours per week of tutoring for struggling readers in Twin Cities.
April 25, 2016
by Jessica Risenhoover
Students and volunteers at Park Elementary School in Tulsa were in for a surprise when US Senator Lankford and Superintendent Gist came for a visit.
April 20, 2016
by Liesl Schnabel
At Reading Partners DC, cadets in the Empowering Males of Color initiative have served as tutors and mentors to students in the program.
April 7, 2016
Celebrate National Volunteer Week with Reading Partners by sharing your story of volunteering on our website or use #ProudReadingPartner on social media.
March 30, 2016
by Kate Brown
In the month of March, Reading Partners Charleston hosted two events focused on raising their reading advocacy efforts.
March 1, 2016
by Danielle Ola
Students at Christa McAuliffe Elementary give the gift of reading to thousands of students in Silicon Valley by hosting a book drive.
March 1, 2016
by Sarah Balcazar
Learn about the successes at Reading Partners during the 2014-15 program year with the annual report.
February 8, 2016
by Graham Sutherland
After only a few months, Reading Partners Twin Cities is making a difference in the communities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
January 25, 2016
by Sigourney Gundy
Through a partnership with University of Washington, Reading Partners Seattle tutoring sessions act as learning experiences for both the students and the tutors.
November 23, 2015
by Hannah Cleveland
Reading Partners students, tutors, and AmeriCorps members share their favorite picture books to celebrate Picture Book Month.
October 19, 2015
by Elon Glickman
Craft breweries in Colorado are showing their dedication to closing the achievement gap in their communities by hosting events for local nonprofits.
October 15, 2015
by Hannah Cleveland
Reading Partners is participating in Read Across the Globe, an international effort to break the Guinness record for most children read to in 24 hours.
October 5, 2015
49ers visit Reading Partners at Lakewood Elementary School and spend the day tutoring students.
September 14, 2015
by Hannah Cleveland
A group of fifth graders from Sacramento spent their summer spreading a love of reading through a community book drive.
July 27, 2015
by Sarah Balcazar
Join the #ReadWhereYouAre day of action to promote summer reading.
June 5, 2015
by Emma Buckle
Pearson executives learn from students as they become reading partners for a day.
May 4, 2015
by Sarah Balcazar
Every day, thousands of community members show up at local elementary schools to give their time one-on-one with students who need a little extra…
May 1, 2015
by Jarrod Bolte
There is progress ahead for Baltimore students. Community partnerships and volunteers emerge with even greater pride and focus on building a better city for all who call Baltimore home.
April 14, 2015
by Sarah Brown
Retirement is often viewed as a haven. A time worth working toward. The vision of retirement often includes sand and sun, a cool breeze, and…
March 31, 2015
by Kate Bradshaw
Zendesk employees commit to serving the Bay Area community by volunteering with local nonprofit organizations like Reading Partners
March 23, 2015
by Cindy Hoffman
LifeChurch.tv joins forces with Reading Partners at a critical point in the year, demonstrating the transformative powers of community collaboration.
March 17, 2015
by Natalie Swift
Governor Hickenlooper’s office officially declared March 2, Reading Partners Day in Colorado.
January 16, 2015
by Sarah Balcazar
“The richest nation on Earth has never allocated enough resources to build sufficient schools, to compensate adequately its teachers, and to…
November 12, 2014
After learning more about Reading Partners, six-year-old Ben felt compelled to give back to other kids and share his joy of reading.
November 4, 2013
After sending her youngest son off to college, Debbie Dawkins was looking for a creative way to spend her days. Debbie’s son suggested that she look…
September 12, 2013
This past week Reading Partners’ Silicon Valley and San Francisco team members volunteered their Saturday afternoon to host a Reading Partners book…