August 16, 2023
Why volunteering isn’t just important, it’s essential
by Kalian deBruyn-Taylor

One way to heal from the pandemic is by serving others. For our overall well-being, volunteering isn’t just important, it’s essential.
Important COVID-19 information: Our Programs | FAQs | Resources for families
August 16, 2023
by Kalian deBruyn-Taylor
One way to heal from the pandemic is by serving others. For our overall well-being, volunteering isn’t just important, it’s essential.
August 3, 2023
by Angela Padron
The storylines of Reading Partners’ COVER to COVER books will reflect the rich diversity and experiences of the students who read them.
May 31, 2023
by Samantha Shinagawa
From the concept of time abundance to the mental health effects of lending a hand, volunteering can translate to living longer.
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.
June 2, 2022
by Ally Bush
As the CEO of Reading Partners, Ola Whitney has quite a busy schedule, but she always makes time to tutor her student, Brianna.
May 11, 2022
Reading Partners is not just about literacy, it’s about community and connection. It’s about people from all walks of life rallying together in…
February 23, 2022
by Maurice Huff
This AmeriCorps member gives his reflections about traveling across the country for a service term and offers advice for future prospects.
April 15, 2021
by Sarah Balcazar
To our Reading Partners volunteers and everyone who has made Reading Partners Connects a reality this year, we thank you.
February 18, 2021
Navigating the unique expectations of COVID-safe online volunteering can be a daunting task. But our in-person volunteers meet this new challenge head-on.
January 16, 2021
by Ally Bush
Our AmeriCorps members across the country serve their communities each and every day. In honor of the MLK Day of Service, Eve Dixon shares her story.
January 14, 2021
by Shiori Zinnen
On January 18, we celebrate the 26th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. This day is dedicated to empowering Americans to participate in service.
January 5, 2021
by Kelsey Larsen
In 2020, Reading Partners adjusted our program to provide virtual learning through our Reading Partners Connects distance tutoring program.
December 14, 2020
by Christine Pannell
We sat down with four college students to hear about their experiences online and what they’ve learned after a semester of tutoring Baltimore students.
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…
November 27, 2019
by Zoe Machol
It’s no secret that volunteers are an invaluable part of our team at Reading Partners. They take time out of their schedules to sit down with a…
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.
September 18, 2019
by Sarah Balcazar
Originally published on Salesforce.org
In a literate world, we have the luxury of enjoying our favorite books on a rainy day. We read our bills,…
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.
February 11, 2019
Valentine’s Day is often thought of as the holiday for couples to celebrate their love, but as we know at Reading Partners, there are all kinds of ways to show love.
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…
September 6, 2018
by Sarah Balcazar
This year’s International Literacy Day theme put forth by UNESCO is ‘literacy and skills development’. The theme focuses on the connection…
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.
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 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 12, 2018
by Sarah Balcazar
In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 15-21, 2018), we honor and celebrate the volunteers who make our communities stronger. Learn how volunteers strengthen communities and impact student growth.
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 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…
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 2, 2017
by Sarah Balcazar
Literacy is a fundamental skill for lifelong learning. As a child, learning to read and write opens a whole new world of opportunities: You gain a…
August 23, 2017
by Cody Howard
Even experienced tutors get back to school jitters. Learn our top tutor tips to engage students from day 1.
June 27, 2017
by Hannah Grace
Summer is the perfect time to pick up a new book. Check out our summer reading suggestions for tutors, from kidlit to adult nonfiction.
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 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 24, 2017
by Hannah Cleveland
In the Bay Area, three generations of the same family volunteer with Reading Partners, showing how we can take action for our community, no matter our age.
April 20, 2017
by Sarah Balcazar
Here at Reading Partners, we are celebrating the thousands of volunteer reading partners who make our work possible for students in need.
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.
March 16, 2017
by Jocelyn Rish
South Carolina tutor Jocelyn Rish had an Amazon wish list book drive and collected over 100 books for students! She shares her tips for an Amazon book drive.
January 9, 2017
by Sarah Westbrook
AmeriCorps members participate in a day of service each year on MLK Day. MLK’s words and actions inspire new ways of asking life’s most persistent question.
January 3, 2017
Celebrate national mentorship month this January.
November 18, 2016
by Sarah Westbrook
For one volunteer, tutoring is a way of practicing gratitude for small gifts.
November 8, 2016
by Shannon David
What traits do volunteers have in common? A study shows that people who volunteer are twice as likely to donate to charity than people who don’t volunteer.
July 29, 2016
by Tiffany James
To get a sense of what gives volunteers such a satisfying tutor experience, read these memorable student quotes shared by Reading Partners Baltimore’s site coordinators and reading partners.
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 13, 2016
by Shannon David
There are hundreds of reasons to support early literacy, but here are just six that might motivate you to take action on behalf of young students.
June 3, 2016
Carol Sokolsky shares her personal experience with Reading Partners and the excitement she has felt when witnessing students develop their literacy skills.
May 31, 2016
Kristine shares what she learned, and what she loved, during her first year volunteering with Reading Partners in Seattle.
May 27, 2016
by Kate Brown
The largest population in the US, millennials are changing the way people think about philanthropy. This impassioned generation is creating a new movement.
May 20, 2016
by Hannah Cleveland
Jessica Vibberts, interim CEO at Reading Partners, is leading the organization through its first CEO transition in over a decade.
May 13, 2016
by Andrew Hutchinson
Andrew shares his top five things he learned during his time volunteering with Reading Partners and tutoring his student, Allan.
May 12, 2016
by Alex Woodhouse
Pat Chase has done more than volunteer for Reading Partners Charlotte. She has created a partnership that has impacted the number of students served.
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 Sigourney Gundy
Steven Nguyen was the very first volunteer to serve with Reading Partners Seattle. Learn about his story and why he continues to volunteer.
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 28, 2016
by Mia Lopez
High school student Mia Lopez shares how her time volunteering with Reading Partners led her to find her passion in life.
March 17, 2016
by Danielle Ola
Four-year volunteer Carol Miller tells about her experience tutoring with Reading Partners.
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.
January 8, 2016
by Sarah Balcazar
Celebrate National Mentorship Month by becoming a mentor to a child through Reading Partners.
December 22, 2015
by Hannah Cleveland
With the New Year approaching, volunteering as a reading partner could be the answer to your New Year’s resolution!
December 3, 2015
by Hannah Cleveland
Did you know that volunteering could save your life? Learn about all the health benefits of dedicating your time to help others.
November 24, 2015
by Kate Brown
High school students in South Carolina love volunteering with Reading Partners and seeing the impact they are making in their community.
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 5, 2015
49ers visit Reading Partners at Lakewood Elementary School and spend the day tutoring students.
June 5, 2015
by Emma Buckle
Pearson executives learn from students as they become reading partners for a day.
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 15, 2015
by Sarah Balcazar
13-year-old, Rebecca, recreates her Bat Mitzvah speech to share her passion for volunteering as a reading partner.
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.
November 19, 2014
We have a day for giving thanks; we have two for getting deals; and now, on December 2, we have a day dedicated to giving back!…
October 31, 2014
Reading Partners student, Dillon, has the privilege of having two tutors for one! Dr. Ballard is the Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools and…
October 20, 2014
Vivian Freeman-Young is a returning reading partner at Malcolm C. Hursey Elementary School in North Charleston, South Carolina, and she is serving…
September 8, 2014
“Literacy is a key lever of change and a practical tool of empowerment on each of the three main pillars of sustainable development: economic…
August 20, 2014
It only takes an hour a week to change a life … Our volunteer reading partners have the unique opportunity to work one-on-one with the same students…
August 18, 2014
This is Kelsey Lyles story of service. Kelsey served as a Reading Partners site coordinator at Leonard Flynn Elementary elementary school in San…
June 23, 2014
This month has been monumental for us at Reading Partners with the release of our most comprehensive, evidence based research to date. The study,…
June 6, 2014
In 2013, Christine became a Reading Partner for two students in New York, volunteering two hours of her time every Tuesday. In the midst of a job…
May 29, 2014
“Metamorphosis”
During their first tutoring session, Jontasia and her Reading Partner, Christopher Hall, looked through the vocabulary words they had…
May 12, 2014
Chadawn, a nursing student at Howard University, has been a fantastic part of our tutor community at Seaton Elementary School since September,…
May 6, 2014
Reading aloud in action
Do you remember being read to as a child?
Whether at home in the lap of a parent or on a rug listening to a favorite…
April 24, 2014
Since the beginning of the semester, San Jose State University student Katie Slattery has been tutoring Cesar Chavez fourth grader, Luz, two days a…
February 27, 2014
Adam Hill volunteered as a Reading Partners’ tutor at Berkley Maynard Academy in North Oakland before he served as an AmeriCorps Site Coordinator for…
February 25, 2014
During my AmeriCorps year of service as Volunteer Coordinator with Reading Partners New York, I’ve had the unique opportunity to get to know all of…
February 19, 2014
Ana and Israel’s Story
Israel and Ana clicked from the very first time they met in October of 2012. Looking back, Israel says that he felt…
February 13, 2014
At the start of the 2013 school year, Reading Partners opened its doors to a new reading center at Carthay Elementary School. Usually opening a new…
February 11, 2014
The original blog post, “Reading Partners Helps Grad Share Passion for Education,” appeared on the CNCS National Service Blog on February, 11, 2014…
January 23, 2014
Elsa serves as Reading Partners Site Coordinator at Cesar Chavez Elementary School in San Jose, California
Expanding to Cesar Chavez…
January 22, 2014
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a noteworthy event each year. It is a day to remember our past, reflect upon our progress, and to consider the state…
January 17, 2014
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic…
January 10, 2014
Tutoring Anthony
As a Reading Partners tutor, I volunteer once a week at Stephen C. Foster Elementary School to work with my full-of-life third…
December 10, 2013
Tutors are the heart of Reading Partners. Without dedicated and passionate volunteers, our program simply could not succeed. With over 575 tutors in…
December 10, 2013
Reading Partners puts students and tutors at the heart of our program. Reading Partners’ students gain an average of 1.6 months of reading skills…
December 6, 2013
Editor’s Note: TulsaKids Education Columnist Karen Moult will be sharing her experience with Tulsa Reading Partners. Read below to find out more…
December 6, 2013
How volunteerism could increase happiness all year-round.
The holiday season is known as a time for giving, spreading joy, and enjoying family and…
November 27, 2013
Every phone interview with a potential Reading Partners tutor starts with some simple questions: “what’s your schedule like,” “how did you…
November 20, 2013
For El Camino College students Carolina Gonzalez and Cooper Truong, tutoring with Reading Partners comes with an unexpected perk. Both students…
November 11, 2013
There are a million and one reasons to volunteer, here are just a few brought to you by our volunteer tutors.
I am a Reading Partner…
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 17, 2013
Racing to the Reading Center at Sudie L. Williams Elementary School, my energetic student stops suddenly in his tracks, turns around abruptly, and…
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…