America Reads

America Reads Program

A Collaborative Effort Between Service-Learning and Education Studies

"The Key to Success"

The America Reads Program encourages tutors to help elementary-age children read well and independently.  The purpose of the America Reads Program is to:

• Train tutors on reading techniques and strategies to use with children in the classroom
• Help children increase their literacy skills and achievement levels
• Provide children who need additional help in reading with extended learning time

Participating Schools

America Reads Tutors are part of the Federal Work Study Program at Mesa Community College.  They tutor and mentor youth, while focusing on reading skill development, at one or more of the following schools:

• Adams Elementary
• Mesa Arts Academy
• Keller Elementary
• Gilbert Elementary

To encourage the tutors to also be eligible for the AmeriCorps program, the America Reads tutors should stay with the same students throughout their term of service. 

Events

In addition, America Reads tutors plan two events:

• Scholastic Book Fair – held in the Fall semester during October break for Mesa Public Schools, the proceeds from this event help us raise Scholastic Dollars in order to purchase a book for each child at Dr. Seuss’ Birthday.
• Dr. Seuss’ Birthday – held in the Spring semester near “Read Across America Day”, this event celebrates reading through breakout activities and a birthday party for Dr. Seuss across Mesa Community College.

Becoming an America Reads Tutor

Qualifications

• Pass RDG 091 or pass out of it on the reading placement exam

• Enrolled in EDU 101 AA – Tutor Training & Practicum (1 credit online course)

Enrollment Procedure

• Submit a completed application to the Center for Service-Learning office

• Attend the America Reads Orientation

• Get matched to a classroom at our schools

Applications

Applications are available at Mesa Community College’s Southern & Dobson campus in the Center for Service-Learning.