November 16, 2023
5 meaningful types of giving this season
by Finn Wallflower

Donating financially is just one small way to make a difference. There are many meaningful types of giving and ways to contribute to a cause.
Important COVID-19 information: Our Programs | FAQs | Resources for families
November 16, 2023
by Finn Wallflower
Donating financially is just one small way to make a difference. There are many meaningful types of giving and ways to contribute to a cause.
November 16, 2023
by Nemanja Demic
From training and learning opportunities to funding for further schooling, AmeriCorps service opens the door to a lifelong educational impact.
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.
October 18, 2023
by Nemanja Demic
We sat down with Xochitl Quetzal to explore the motivations, challenges, and growth they experienced during their AmeriCorps gap year.
September 12, 2023
National nonprofit delivered nearly 170,000 one-on-one tutoring sessions and over 140,000 books to thousands of students last year
August 22, 2023
by Brettin Fox
In the final part of our series on the science of reading and balanced literacy, here’s Reading Partners’ approach to teaching literacy.
August 18, 2023
by Ally Bush
Thanks to our partnership with Brilliant Detroit, students are able to strengthen their literacy skills from halfway across the country.
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.
July 11, 2023
by Tami MacDonald
In the final part of this series, Tami explains what it’s like to use their volunteer recruiting skills to engage new AmeriCorps members.
June 29, 2023
by Ally Bush
In the wake of the pandemic, we’re starting to see a pivot from balanced literacy to systematic phonics instruction. Here’s why.
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.
June 21, 2023
In this first part of a three-part series, we explore what the science of reading is, how balanced literacy is different, and why educators and scientists can’t agree on one approach.
June 6, 2023
by Brettin Fox
High-quality pre-K is a key ingredient in a child’s life, ensuring that they are ready for their kindergarten year and beyond.
June 5, 2023
In honor of Pride 2023, we’ve compiled this list of elementary-grade, middle-grade, and adult books that showcase the power of queer stories.
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.
May 17, 2023
by Khassaundra Whitehead
This month, we celebrate and recognize the dynamic and vast stories of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) leaders, innovators, and trailblazers in…
May 1, 2023
In celebration of AAPINH Heritage Month, we bring you these ten stories of courage, compassion, and resilience.
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 19, 2023
by Samantha Shinagawa
What brings people to an AmeriCorps service term? What do we do outside of our term hours? Where do we plan to go next?
April 17, 2023
by JJ Packer
Research has shown that air pollution and rising global temperatures both disproportionately harm children and diminish academic success.
April 12, 2023
by Wanda Lafond
Reading daily can help your kids learn about the world, develop imagination, become more empathetic, and enrich their vocabulary.
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.
April 6, 2023
by Karla M. Gurley
Allow your kids to experience the joy of reading with these tips for giving them the freedom of choice in selecting their next book.
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.
March 24, 2023
TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie got a new lesson on public speaking from seasoned pro, Lydia Fenet, when she had the chance to be a guest auctioneer at Reading Partners’ annual One for the Books fundraising gala.
March 16, 2023
by JJ Packer
School segregation still exists in many American communities today. Here’s why, and how we can work toward a fully integrated school system.
March 12, 2023
by Angela Padron
Reading Partners’ March Madness: Empowered Women Edition bracket highlights 64 kids books that tell the stories of strong women.
March 9, 2023
by Ally Bush
From identifying a letter to decoding a word to understanding a sentence, this is what happens in your brain when you read.
March 2, 2023
by Gabrielle Loue
From the book fairies of Italy to the annual “reading holiday” in Sweden, the world loves to celebrate reading. Here are eight literary traditions from around the world.
January 30, 2023
This Black History Month, we compiled a booklist with the theme “From Black Resistance to Achievement and Empowerment.” Check it out here.
January 11, 2023
by Karla M. Gurley
Reading a story together as a family can be a magical experience. Here are some tips for creating an at-home storytime.
January 5, 2023
National Mentoring Month is the perfect time to begin making a meaningful difference in a young person’s life.
January 4, 2023
Learn more about Reading Partners’ national benefit in NYC.
December 12, 2022
by Lauren Cono
Lauren Cono’s Peace Corps experience motivated her to serve again, this time closer to home, and this time with AmeriCorps. Learn more about her experience here.
December 6, 2022
by Pamela Foster
Parents/guardians always want what’s best for their kids, like helping them with their education. But how can you help your child with their literacy?
November 29, 2022
Data drive decisions. In this installment of a Week in the Life of a volunteer coordinator, Tami covers data entry and Salesforce.
November 28, 2022
AmeriCorps volunteer coordinator Tami MacDonald documents their day-to-day experience and offers insights into community engagement work.
November 14, 2022
by Brettin Fox
The science of reading is a hotly contested, yet deeply important topic. Here’s our understanding about the science of reading.
November 14, 2022
by Maurice Huff
Teaching literacy doesn’t have to be a bore. There are so many ways to get students excited about reading, and one of those is playwriting.
October 27, 2022
Reading Partners announced has been awarded $250,000 in competitive grant funding to develop and scale its high-impact tutoring model.
October 17, 2022
Recruiting hundreds of AmeriCorps members translates into thousands of volunteer tutors supporting foundational literacy for students
October 17,…
October 13, 2022
by Jolene Barnes
Here are four iconic children’s books that represent kids who may not often see themselves in the books on their library’s shelves.
September 20, 2022
Good Morning America reports on a study conducted by the NCES that showed test scores in math and reading hit new lows after the pandemic.
September 15, 2022
by Ally Bush
Happy Banned Books Week! This year, we found five more stories that surprisingly ended up on banned book lists. Fight censorship. Read.
September 14, 2022
by Rosa J. Gutierrez
During Hispanic Heritage month, we invite you to celebrate the richness of Hispanic/Latinx culture through these children’s books.
August 30, 2022
NBC Sports Athlete Direct and Reading Partners are collaborating to launch campaign to promote children’s literacy.
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.
July 20, 2022
Creatd is proud to initially partner with Reading Partners to promote literacy in schools across the nation.
July 13, 2022
by Sarah Balcazar
Sharing and eating food is memorable, vivid, and universal. That’s why we paired these powerful food memories with devourable books. Dig in!
June 16, 2022
This Juneteenth, we’re celebrating with children’s books that fall under the theme: Thriving While Unapologetically Black.
June 6, 2022
by Ally Bush
Nowadays, literacy reaches far beyond traditional reading comprehension. Here are the best ways to empower students in multi-tiered literacy.
June 3, 2022
Nonprofit Reading Partners shares Pride Month book list that features lgbtqia children’s books and authors.
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.
June 1, 2022
We know books are powerful. This year’s Reading Partners Pride Month theme is Celebrating Life, Love, and Family. Happy Pride!
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…
May 2, 2022
by Clarence Say
This booklist includes a wide range of histories, languages, cultures, and stories of identity to help you celebrate AAPINH Heritage Month.
April 5, 2022
by Simone Moore
Spice up your nature walks by exploring a different world: the world of poetry! Here’s everything you need to embark on a poetic nature walk.
March 31, 2022
by Christine Pannell
We asked several current and former AmeriCorps members to describe what it was like serving during COVID-19 in just a few words.
March 13, 2022
Reading Partners is proud to unveil the 64 children’s book titles that comprise what we are calling March Madness: Inclusive Books Edition.
March 7, 2022
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’d excited to share this expansive book list that focuses on celebrating girls.
February 24, 2022
This unprecedented gift is a huge win for early literacy in this country, which remains a widespread and critical challenge we have a responsibility to address as a society.
February 14, 2022
by Natalie Danett
This AmeriCorps member has spent the last year and a half serving during COVID. Here are her reflections from two unexpected service years.
February 11, 2022
by Ally Bush
Reading Partners AmeriCorps alum, Justin, shares his experience with taking a gap “year on” to gain professional skills before going back to college.
February 7, 2022
Reading Partners is thrilled to share these 10 book suggestions that uplift Black opportunities, dreams, and joy.
December 14, 2021
The grant from the U.S. Department of Education will allow us to expand our online tutoring program Reading Partners Connects.
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.
December 1, 2021
by Kimberly Benavides
When adults read to young children, we set them up for success in school and beyond. Here are 3 tips for turning kids into confident readers.
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.
November 29, 2021
Reading Partners has been featured in the Holiday Impact Prize created by former New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof.
November 17, 2021
by Sam Stockley
This month, we have highlighted children’s books that speak of the strength of Indigenous people in the face of adversity.
November 8, 2021
We are thrilled to welcome experienced education leader, Phillip M. Robinson, Jr., as Reading Partners’ first-ever chief impact officer.
November 3, 2021
by Simone Moore
This booklist helps young readers understand forced displacement with fictional and factual perspectives of refugee children.
October 27, 2021
by Shiori Zinnen
Some educators and parents may be tempted to dismiss audiobooks as “cheating.” But they can actually aid in the development of key literacy skills.
October 8, 2021
These books uplift the Hispanic/Latinx experience and center on stories of immigration, dreamers, hope and resilience.
July 16, 2021
by Christine Pannell
If you are looking for a great new read, here are some recommendations to diversify your home library and intentionally explore narratives put forth by BIPOC authors.
July 16, 2021
by Rebecca Jordan
Literacy has decreased worldwide in the past few years. Luckily, there are ways to to spark a passion for reading in your child.
July 1, 2021
by Veronica Ferris
It is critical to address and work towards dismantling stereotypes when they arise, especially when you hear them come from a child.
June 30, 2021
by Shiori Zinnen
We’re shifting our narratives to asset-based language to tell the truth about our students, who are capable, worthy, and full of potential.
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 25, 2021
Kelli Doss, a talent specialist and professional coach, spent her career focused on serving youth, communities, and education systems.
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.
June 10, 2021
Happy Pride! Here are 10 inclusive and engaging books to help kids learn more about and relate to the LGBTQIA+ community.
June 1, 2021
by Shea Krause
It’s never too early to discuss emotions and mental health with your children, and social-emotional learning (SEL) is a key component of these conversations.
May 18, 2021
by Ally Bush
For Cultural Diversity Day, we paired kid’s books with hands-on activities to make the stories jump off the page and into your home.
May 12, 2021
by Nemanja Demic
This AmeriCorps member took the experience she gained with Reading Partners to a reading interventionist role. Here are her reflections.
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.
May 6, 2021
by Clarence Say
To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Panda Cares helped us create a booklist honoring AAPI culture through food.
May 5, 2021
by Michelle Bowers
Understanding emotions is such an important part of social-emotional growth. Here are some tips for how to navigate emotional learning with kids.
April 29, 2021
by Nemanja Demic
As we come to the end of National Poetry Month, let’s bring some newer, more diverse poetry books into our hearts, homes, and schools.
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.
April 12, 2021
by Jaycee Pilpe
As teachers, tutors, and mentors, we have the unique opportunity to broaden the worldview of the children in our lives simply by reading together.
April 12, 2021
Rosa J. Gutierrez is Reading Partners’ new Chief Financial & Operating Officer. She will lead on business functions and financial and capital resources.
April 2, 2021
Our Women’s History Month showcase featured art, poetry, side hustles, and more from our female staff and AmeriCorps members.
March 25, 2021
by Clarence Say
How are stories of the AAPI experience are being told? These books celebrate diverse AAPI cultures, communities, and people.
March 15, 2021
Representation matters. For Women’s History Month, we’ve crafted a booklist celebrating empowering and inspirational female characters.
March 12, 2021
Reading Partners is encouraged that educational equity and national service are advanced in a variety of ways in the American Rescue Plan.
March 11, 2021
by Shiori Zinnen
Language-based racism continues to inhibit speakers of Black English from having their voices heard in spaces dominated by Standard American English.
March 5, 2021
by Michelle Bowers
Giving and receiving are core parts of our mission statement and part of the magic of Reading Partners. Here’s how your generosity will fuel COVID relief.
March 1, 2021
by Nemanja Demic
In honor of Read Across America Day, we invite you to read across the United States with this list of the most popular children’s books by state.
February 16, 2021
Award-winning television director and author Jeffrey Blount will bring his experience and an equity focus to Reading Partners as a national board member.
February 12, 2021
by Davita Louie
In honor of the Lunar New Year, the most important holiday in China, here are the books that still line the shelves of my childhood bedroom back home.
February 11, 2021
One of our distance tutoring coordinators showed us what a typical day looks like her for. Watch her “day in the life” here.
February 11, 2021
by Christine Pannell
Local authors reflect their communities in their stories. When authors share an identity with their readers, reading their stories can be magical.
February 10, 2021
Adeola Whitney, the CEO of Reading Partners, joined Pedro to talk about the importance of Black History Month reading and teaching children through books.
February 8, 2021
by Cecilia Herrera
Three of our Seattle colleagues set out to learn more about the diversity of Africa. The Africa Research Project is the final product of their exploration.
February 4, 2021
by Sophia Rosman
Sophia Rosman is an AmeriCorps member with Reading Partners Baltimore. Here, she shares her story and how she fell in love with working with students.
February 1, 2021
Our Black History Month book list is a full year of books honoring Black history by authors who share the identity of the main characters in their books.
January 28, 2021
by Rebecca Jordan
The science is clear: reading with children can boost their emotional competency. Here’s why you should read together (plus some books to get you started.)
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 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?
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 9, 2020
The Equity Lab announced the 28 leaders who will make up the 2021-22 cohort of the selective Nexus Fellowship, including two of our own staff members.
November 24, 2020
by Shea Krause
A $10 donation each month is a small way to give back to your community without too much effort. Learn more about the benefits of monthly giving.
November 21, 2020
Reading Partners is featured in Nick Kristof’s 2020 Holiday Impact Prize published in the New York Times.
November 18, 2020
by Melissa Licea
We recently sat down with Robyn Pratt, who just accepted a Segal Fellowship, to interview her about her passion for service.
November 18, 2020
by Veronica Ferris
The underrepresentation in children’s book characters is alarming. Kid’s books should reflect our differences instead of limiting them to a single story.
November 13, 2020
by Cecilia Herrera
To celebrate Native American Heritage Month, we took a dive into bilingualism, Native American languages, and children’s books that highlight both.
November 12, 2020
Reading Partners is hosting a national conversation about race and educational equity with author and Emmy award winner, Jeffrey Blount.
November 10, 2020
by Jaycee Pilpe
Literacy should be empowering Americans in every aspect of life. But, that simply isn’t the case. How do we fix this literacy crisis?
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.
October 28, 2020
by Ally Bush
One day, Bombo drops a torta in a bucket full of radioactive goo. Will he be able to save the city from doom? Find out in this read-aloud of Super Torta!
October 22, 2020
by Ally Bush
October brings spooky stories, falling leaves, and pumpkins galore. Here are some Autumn-themed books to share with your child this year.
October 15, 2020
Read these 9 democratic books with your kids to inspire conversations about civic engagement during the 2020 presidential election cycle.
October 8, 2020
by Ally Bush
We sat down to talk with actor, author, and advocate Chloe Fernandez about her book, diversity in literature, her advice for kids with big goals, and more.
October 2, 2020
by Cecilia Herrera
During Hispanic Heritage Month, I recommend books that specifically honor Afro-Latinx culture, harkening back to my early memory reading Cuentos de Apolo.
September 28, 2020
by Ally Bush
In honor of banned books week, we want to go back to the 1600s and look at where it all began. Here’s what I learned about the history of banned books.
September 25, 2020
by Amber Meade
Comics sometimes have a stigma of being ‘not true literature.’ But it really doesn’t matter what a child is reading, so long as it excites them.
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…
August 5, 2020
by Ally Bush
In celebration of Book Lover’s Day, we assembled a list of some of our favorite reads of the past decade, spanning 2010-20.
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 16, 2020
by Christine Pannell
How can service boost skills and offer crucial work experience? Three AmeriCorps members reflect on how service set them up for future career success.
June 15, 2020
by Britani Graves
These few simple tricks will ensure that the time spent practicing literacy skills will have optimal impacts on your kids’ development.
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…
June 11, 2020
by Paloma Mariz
The world is stressful right now. One way for kids to cope is to read. This booklist can help kids better understand their feelings now and into the future.
June 2, 2020
by Karine Apollon
It’s time we all look inside ourselves to consider what we can do now as individuals and communities that will result in a brighter, more equitable future
May 27, 2020
by Rachel Ogorek
Maybe you find yourself at a crossroads or are unsure about what you want to do next. Wherever you are, there is a path forward for you with AmeriCorps.
May 20, 2020
by Paloma Mariz
On this Cultural Diversity Day, we’ve rounded up some books that celebrate cultural diversity through delicious foods and dishes from around the world.
May 20, 2020
by Stephanie Wolfe
COVID-19 has exposed inequities across our country. We must address these gaps and work together to find long-lasting and sustainable solutions.
May 18, 2020
by Darin Wong
Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Support Asian-American students by creating more culturally responsive learning environments.
May 14, 2020
by Christine Pannell
Jason Kelly first learned about Reading Partners Baltimore during a career fair at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). He was…
May 13, 2020
by Christine Pannell
While many students are adjusting to new ways of learning in the wake of COVID-19, preexisting educational inequities are leaving millions of others behind.
May 13, 2020
Learn how to join the meaningful fun!
May 7, 2020
by Kelsey Larsen
Right now, nonprofits need support more than ever. One way to support Reading Partners and other nonprofits is by starting a peer-to-peer fundraiser.
May 1, 2020
by Nemanja Demic
Many of today’s books provide representation of diverse experiences. Here are seven gems I wish I had gotten to read when I was a kid.
April 24, 2020
by Ally Bush
The power of a good poem can help make reading a reality for young kids. Here are a few ways poetry helps kids improve their reading skills.
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 22, 2020
by Shea Krause
With many schools closed, libraries are critical for families now more than ever. Here are some great library resources for kids, teens, and adults.
April 21, 2020
by Paloma Mariz
Engaging with books about the environment is a great way to celebrate Earth Day with the whole family. Here are a few of our recommendations.
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 16, 2020
by Ally Bush
Storyline Online features an ever-growing video collection of renowned celebrities reading aloud their favorite children’s books. Here are our favorites.
April 10, 2020
by Darin Wong
Happy National Poetry Month! Darin Wong, AmeriCorps site coordinator, writes about why he loves poetry and why you should too.
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…
April 3, 2020
by Ally Bush
From literacy activities, to engagement tips, and virtual read alouds, Reading Partners seeks to make literacy skill building at home as easy as possible.
April 2, 2020
Social distancing, text messaging, and proven programming meet to bridge the digital divide and bring literacy support to students as schools are closed.
March 26, 2020
by Ally Bush
When bookstores and libraries are temporarily closed, what happens when we run out of books? Here are five alternative ways to get new reading material.
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.
March 5, 2020
by Kitty Liu
Encourage girls to dream big and reach for the stars.
February 29, 2020
by Kelsey Larsen
These recent #OwnVoices books by authors and illustrators of color offer a uniquely personal experience to the stories and illustrations they share.
February 27, 2020
by Hadya Amin
Along with educational progress and professional success, reading impacts our brains in some surprising ways that can benefit both kids and adults.
February 24, 2020
by Cody Howard
Interested in national service, and making a meaningful difference in your own life and in the lives of others in the community? You’re already off to a great start!
February 24, 2020
#ReadingMatters2020 booklist aims to empower parents to prioritize reading amidst US literacy crisis
Oakland, California, Feb. 24, 2020 (GLOBE…
February 20, 2020
by Anton Taylor
Approximately 75,000 AmeriCorps members each year make the commitment to “get things done” through a year of service. Members dedicate a year to…
January 29, 2020
by Paloma Mariz
Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?
January 20, 2020 marked the 25th anniversary of Martin Luther King…
November 27, 2019
by Shea Krause
As the year draws to a close, it’s easy for everyone to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. While you’re thinking about…
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.
November 14, 2019
by Hannah Tyne
There are many reasons to embark on a year of AmeriCorps national service. AmeriCorps offers a unique opportunity to gain professional experience…
November 13, 2019
by Sarah Balcazar
Do you remember the picture books that first brought you joy? The ones that were read to you before you could read, or the ones that sparked your…
October 16, 2019
by Kitty Liu
Building a larger vocabulary can be tricky work for young readers. It often takes consistent repetition and practice to learn new words and…
October 11, 2019
by Stephanie Wolfe
The United Nations named October 11 International Day of the Girl. A day dedicated to highlighting the many successes and challenges that girls…
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…
August 14, 2019
by Lindsay Barrett
Do you remember the first book that truly transported you into someone else’s life? What about the first book in which you really saw yourself?…
June 19, 2019
by Cody Howard
Time often has a way of flying far faster than I feel it should. This can mean that when looking back on pivotal experiences and memories, whether a…
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.
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 1, 2018
Here’s Nicholas Kristof’s annual holiday guide for presents with meaning.
November 15, 2018
by Sarah Balcazar
#GivingTuesday, taking place on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, has become a landmark day of giving benefiting nonprofits and causes around the…
October 30, 2018
Augenblick, Palaich, and Associates (APA) finds that Reading Partners drives significant student impact on critical literacy skills
Oakland, CA,…
October 30, 2018
by Sarah Balcazar
The premise of the Reading Partners program is simple: pair one student who struggles with reading with one volunteer tutor who delivers…
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 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.
June 4, 2018
by Madeline Hatcher
When she first joined Reading Partners as a site coordinator in the Twin Cities, Grace had no idea she would end up staying with the organization much longer than her initial AmeriCorps term. Upon completing her first year, Grace then served as a regional site coordinator for a second year, but she didn’t stop there.
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 9, 2018
by Justin Harrison
Moms play a big role in helping kids develop vital early literacy skills. This year, thank your mom for her role in helping you learn to read!
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 23, 2018
by Anne Hildebrand
Learn how an a gap year spent serving with AmeriCorps can provide direction, experience, and inspiration.
April 19, 2018
by Andrew Kowal
If you are a teacher, a parent, or an older sister or brother, the best thing to do is to find writers that shake-up the boring, expected forms of poetry, and read them to a child in your life. If you aren’t sure where to start, here is a brief round-up of some exciting books of poetry for children, with a sample from each.
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.
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.
April 2, 2018
by Khassaundra Whitehead
To celebrate International Children’s Book Day, we interviewed some of our supporters about their favorite children’s books and why reading matters.
February 15, 2018
by Nicole Vera
Passion, dedication, and a tireless commitment to national service were on full display at the annual National Service Awards held on February 13,…
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 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.
November 29, 2017
by Zanai Wallace
At the beginning of my second term, I met some of the most interesting and insightful people at Reading Partners AmeriCorps Orientation. Now several months later, I contacted some of the new site coordinators to hear about how they feel about their first few months of service with Reading Partners.
November 20, 2017
by Shannon David
This Giving Tuesday—November 28—we’re kicking off a month-long campaign to raise support for early literacy. All donations will support our one-on-one tutoring program in under-resourced schools across the country.
October 25, 2017
Nolene Fabre, a talented and highly compassionate financial leader joins Reading Partners as Chief Financial Officer of the national nonprofit literacy organization.
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.
September 25, 2017
by Justin Harrison
Banned Books Week was founded in 1982 as a celebration of the freedom to read, responding to a rise in challenges made against books. Book banning might feel like a thing of the past, but celebrating your freedom to read is just as relevant now as ever.
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.
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.
August 8, 2017
The Ballmer Group invests $1 million to support Reading Partners’ proven literacy interventions which help low-income students become strong readers and confident learners.
June 6, 2017
by Kate Brown
Within the education community, certain buzzwords are used to describe and explain systematic variance in students’ growth and progress throughout…
May 31, 2017
The White House budget proposal to eliminate national service funding would critically impair Reading Partners and other essential nonprofits.
May 25, 2017
by Zanai Wallace
Reading Partners’ diverse cohort of AmeriCorps members come from different walks of life. For some of us, serving through AmeriCorps was part of our…
May 24, 2017
by Krystal Cabrera
Learn why many young educators are using AmeriCorps service as a stepping stone to a career in education.
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 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.
April 19, 2017
by Sarah Westbrook
Get to know Reading Partners CEO Karine Apollon, who joined Reading Partners in February after an accomplished career at Scholastic.
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.
February 7, 2017
by Sarah Westbrook
Reading Partners’ current AmeriCorps members and alums share their tips for making the AmeriCorps stipend work.
February 3, 2017
by Sarah Balcazar
Give the gift of reading in honor of someone you love.
December 22, 2016
by Sarah Balcazar
Voting is closed and results of the annual Yelp Foundation Gives Local (YFGL) contest are being celebrated in local communities across the country.…
November 30, 2016
by Sarah Balcazar
The Yelp Foundation is at it again — spreading generosity to local nonprofits doing meaningful work in their communities. This year, Reading…
November 21, 2016
by Shannon David
On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, millions of generous individuals from across the globe joined together for a global day of giving back. This…
October 18, 2016
by Sarah Balcazar
What happens when +30 of the nation’s premier data-driven programs come together to show what works? The greatest social innovation “science…
September 19, 2016
During her time at the University of Maryland, Elizabeth Majchrzak fell in love with teaching as a Reading Partners volunteer. After graduation, she…
August 5, 2016
by Nicole Vera
When faced with the question, “What is AmeriCorps?”, Nicole Vera responds with strong sentiments about the opportunity to make a difference.
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 25, 2016
Turn your picture book ideas into realities at the Picture Book Summit.
July 15, 2016
by Kate Brown
We know just the right way to relax during the hot summer months. Explore our favorite book and ice cream combos.
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.
July 7, 2016
by Dorian Mastrogany
During a term of service, Reading Partners AmeriCorps members gain transferrable skills and experiences that impact their future careers.
June 24, 2016
by Hannah Cleveland
Most children’s books have the power to bring joy to its readers, but did you know that reading can actually have long-term positive effects, too?
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 23, 2016
by Jenny Kellard
Celebrate all the classic summer-time adventures with these children’s books, and help get some summer reading in at the same time.
June 22, 2016
by Britt'Nee Horne
The AmeriCorps literacy lead is the newest role at Reading Partners. Learn about the important role they play in helping students learn to read.
June 20, 2016
by Hannah Cleveland
Summer learning loss can be detrimental to a child’s reading skills. Here are 10 fun ways to incorporate learning into daily life and beat the summer slide.
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 9, 2016
by Taryn Kearns
Casey Dzubur has gone from being a volunteer reading partner to a second year Reading Partners AmeriCorps member all to support early education.
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.
June 3, 2016
by Sarah Balcazar
Have you ever read a book with a kid? Most of the time, you’ll find that kids are excited and engrossed in good books. And as they begin to read…
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.
June 1, 2016
Reading Partners has announced its first major leadership transition since the organization’s inception over a decade ago.
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 10, 2016
by Hannah Cleveland
Akshaj Mehta, 10-year-old author of three published books, uses his talent and passion to give back to his local community and help kids learn to read.
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 28, 2016
Join the giving movement on May 3 during Give Local America. Support Reading Partners to help students get back on track for success.
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 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 21, 2016
by Stacy Kaczmarek
Celebrate Earth Day with these great children’s book titles for grades K-7.
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 19, 2016
by Marcela Gonzalez
Ever wondered what Reading Partners AmeriCorps volunteer coordinators do? Marcela shares what her typical day is like and why she loves her position.
April 18, 2016
by Cruz Ramirez
The Golden State Reading Guarantee, SB 1145, has passed through the Senate Education Committee, the first step in the legislative process for the bill.
April 12, 2016
by Michael Lombardo
The California Golden State Reading Guarantee is a leading example of a forward-thinking approach to K-4 literacy and a model for other states to consider.
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.
April 5, 2016
by Stacy Kaczmarek
Literacy skills are vital to understanding STEM concepts and will lead to success across all disciplines.
March 31, 2016
by Hannah Cleveland
For Children’s Book Day, walk down memory lane with these 20th century children’s books that are still loved by kids today.
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 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 21, 2016
by Stacy Kaczmarek
Use these tips to help encourage your kids to develop their independent reading skills.
March 17, 2016
by Danielle Ola
Four-year volunteer Carol Miller tells about her experience tutoring with Reading Partners.
March 16, 2016
by Michael Lombardo
The Golden State Reading Guarantee proposes to close the reading gap by investing in early education.
March 7, 2016
by Sarah Balcazar
At the core of service is a shared goal – to make a difference. AmeriCorps members serving in local communities across the nation set out to address…
March 1, 2016
by Sarah Balcazar
Learn about the successes at Reading Partners during the 2014-15 program year with the annual report.
February 25, 2016
by Hannah Cleveland
Celebrate Read Across America Day with these four Dr. Seuss quotes that tell why reading matters.
February 23, 2016
by Jenny Kellard
Follow these 6 steps for reading aloud and your home will become an environment for reading success.
February 17, 2016
by Pat Jeffers
Ever wondered what Reading Partners AmeriCorps members do? Learn about a typical day for Pat Jeffers, a senior AmeriCorps site coordinator.
February 15, 2016
by Michael Lombardo
Which of the Presidential candidates will connect his or her legacy to focusing the country on early reading?
February 4, 2016
by Brittany Prince
How one woman started her career in education through AmeriCorps service at Reading Partners.
February 1, 2016
by Hannah Cleveland
Start conversations about race and diversity with your kids by reading these children’s books.
January 29, 2016
by Sarah Balcazar
Yelp Foundation gives big: Recently divvying out three-quarters of a million dollars to nonprofits in 75 US cities through their “Gives Local”…
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 22, 2016
by Hannah Cleveland
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., several AmeriCorps members at Reading Partners DC served at a local school with President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
January 15, 2016
by Michael Lombardo
With the passing of ESSA, funding for early reading needs to be a priority.
January 14, 2016
by Hannah Cleveland
This MLK Day, celebrate what national service is doing in communities across the United States every day.
January 11, 2016
by Tom Martin
After volunteering with Reading Partners, Tom Martin decided to leave retirement to serve as an AmeriCorps site coordinator in North Texas.
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 19, 2015
by Sarah Balcazar
After threats of mass cuts, Congress announces a $40 million increase in funds to support national service. Here’s what service can do…
December 18, 2015
by Hannah Cleveland
Join Reading Partners in celebrating the holidays with the Reading Partners version of “The 12 Days of Christmas!”
December 10, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 10, 2015
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Sharon Harrington, (704)-618-4398, sharon.harrington@readingpartners.org
Reading…
December 7, 2015
Vote for eight Reading Partners locations in the Yelp Foundation gives local contest.
December 7, 2015
by Jenny Kellard
Use these simple strategies to help build your child’s foundational reading skills before even entering kindergarten.
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 23, 2015
by Hannah Cleveland
Reading Partners students, tutors, and AmeriCorps members share their favorite picture books to celebrate Picture Book Month.
November 17, 2015
by Sarah Balcazar
This giving season, give the gift of reading and make an impact on children across the country.
November 9, 2015
by Hannah Cleveland
Reading by fourth grade is crucial for future student success. Find out why.
November 9, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Christy Dobbs, (510) 214-3920, christy.dobbs@readingpartners.org
Reading Partners announces appointment of four…
October 30, 2015
Mandatory retention creates large challenges for schools and families and does not have substantial evidence supporting its implementation.
October 29, 2015
Early reading skills are a priority worth investing in.
October 26, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christy Dobbs, 510-830-3080, christy.dobbs@readingpartners.org
Reading Partners names Dr. Robert Simmons vice…
October 23, 2015
In the last 21 years, nearly one million men and women have signed up to #serveAyear with AmeriCorps, to make our country safer and stronger. Today,…
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 14, 2015
by Martin Berk
Parents can help their kids increase reading fluency by applying these easy, at-home strategies.
September 28, 2015
by Hannah Cleveland
It’s Banned Books Week, a time to celebrate the freedom to read! Here is a list of five children’s books you probably didn’t know were banned.
September 15, 2015
by Cindy Wilson
We want to know how candidates plan on tackling our biggest educational challenges. #kidsread2016
September 10, 2015
by Sarah Balcazar
Millennials have embraced a greater commitment to service than ever before—surpassing their parents and grandparents in volunteering.
September 3, 2015
by Hannah Cleveland
AmeriCorps programs like Teach For America, Reading Partners, and City Year are tackling the biggest issues in education.
September 2, 2015
by Michael Lombardo
In order to see America’s schools improve and reach the level of its international competitors, youth literacy must be a priority in all schools.
September 1, 2015
by Hannah Cleveland
These five at-home reading strategies will help kids learn to read and will help parents support their kids through the learning process.
August 21, 2015
by Hannah Cleveland
Learn about transitional-kindergarten and what it can do for students.
August 19, 2015
Mobilizing volunteer tutors to improve student literacy.
August 4, 2015
by Michael Lombardo
Initial presidential debates will undoubtedly give us a glimpse into the values of our 2016 presidential candidates. But, will they answer the toughest questions about the state of education?
July 29, 2015
by Michael Lombardo
Celebrate #ReadWhereYouAre, a day of action to promote summer reading and to encourage all of us to stop, take a few minutes, and read with a young person.
July 27, 2015
by Sarah Balcazar
Join the #ReadWhereYouAre day of action to promote summer reading.
July 24, 2015
Every year, idealistic individuals apply by the thousands to serve as AmeriCorps members. A desire to “commit to something bigger” drives these…
June 26, 2015
by Kristarae Flores
National service plays a critical role in serving some of our most vulnerable communities. Cuts to CNCS could result in fewer services to children.
June 18, 2015
by Sarah Balcazar
Searching for the right book to excite an apprehensive summer reader? Here’s a list of book ideas to get you started.
June 5, 2015
by Emma Buckle
Pearson executives learn from students as they become reading partners for a day.
April 2, 2015
by Sarah Balcazar
Some of the biggest names in media, politics, and nonprofits, gather in Hollywood to launch the #serveAyear campaign. Making AmeriCorps service the new norm for young people in the U.S.
April 1, 2015
by Jenny Kellard
Learn how to help kids go beyond finding the literal meaning of a text to making inferences based on life experiences and clues given throughout the text.
February 10, 2015
by Jenny Kellard
Going from learning to read to reading for meaning is a critical step for young readers. Learn how to help kids through this process by asking literal questions.
January 21, 2015
by Sarah Balcazar
Take a look back at a countdown of the top five Reading Partners highlights from the 2013-14 school year and take a look inside our annual report.
October 8, 2014
by Sarah Balcazar
The Giving Tree is a mystifying story of a boy who asks a loving tree to give him everything, still has academics, religious scholars, parents, and…
May 27, 2014
by Sarah Balcazar
Beat the “summer slide” by incorporating these fun reading activities into your summer routine.
January 14, 2014
by Sarah Balcazar
Campaigning to boost high school graduation rates
In an effort to boost high school graduation rates, in 2010 President Obama teamed up with U.S.…
October 7, 2013
Politicians find the factoid a pithy way to emphasize the importance of early childhood reading. And journalists find it a convenient lede for stories…