The majority of students served by Power Read are struggling readers facing many barriers and may come from homes where English is not the primary language spoken. Power Read is an opportunity for these students to practice reading and develop literacy skills with a caring adult outside the classroom.
Reading proficiently by third grade is the most important predictor of high school graduation and later career success. Students who are behind in reading by the end of third grade are four times more likely to not graduate from high school. Among U.S. adults with only basic reading skills, 51 percent are unemployed. Two-thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of fourth grade will end up in jail or on welfare. Source: National Center of Educational Statistics
Each week, mentors meet their students at school to spend time talking and reading together. The program often takes place during the lunch period at school, but some Power Read sites offer programs before school, after school or in the evening.
The sessions are held each week at the same time and on the same day and usually last about 30 minutes.
Volunteer training, grade-level appropriate books and literacy kits designed by reading experts are provided.
Students who participate in the Power Read program benefit from consistent and positive interactions with caring adults:
Mentors benefit from meaningful experiences and the knowledge that they are making a positive impact on a child’s future:
Power Read is a part of READ to SUCCEED, United Way of Central Iowa’s campaign to increase third-grade reading proficiency in central Iowa.%20-%20No%20Tagline.png?width=180&name=211%20Logo%20-%20color%20(white%20bubble)%20-%20No%20Tagline.png)
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