Who We Are

ReadingPals is a statewide early literacy initiative that provides volunteer mentors for students from Pre-K to 3rd grade who may need extra help, utilizing one-on-one or small group settings.

 

Our ReadingPals volunteers have been paired with thousands of young children in Florida. They build meaningful relationships and help improve their social-emotional development and early literacy skills.

 

What We Hope to Achieve

MENTORING: To strengthen confidence, self-awareness, and empathy through a consistent relationship between mentors and students.

EARLY LITERACY: To improve students’ vocabulary and understanding of the fundamental building blocks of early literacy.

LOVE OF READING: To reinforce a love of reading with good books and fun activities.

 

What We Do

ReadingPals offers volunteers an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with young children, while helping them improve their social-emotional development and early literacy skills.

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In Miami-Dade County, ReadingPals spend 1 hour per week working with students in grades Pre-K-3 from historically marginalized communities.  We partner with schools and after-school programs to empower children with the necessary literacy skills and resources to read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade, a milestone that is a significant indicator of a child’s future educational development. Uplift Literacy provides free mentoring sessions to cultivate every child’s full potential and assist in the transition from “learning to read to reading to learn.”  

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Every student participating in our ReadingPals program receives a brand new, quality book every month of the school year to help build their at-home library and create a print-rich environment.

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Why Volunteer

Volunteering with ReadingPals allows you to make a significant difference in the lives of children.  Research shows that children who read proficiently by third grade are more likely to graduate high school, while those who do not are four times more likely to drop out. Your efforts help bridge the opportunity gap for children from marginalized communities, fostering their literacy skills, social-emotional development, and future opportunities. By building meaningful relationships and supporting early literacy, you contribute to lasting positive change in the community.

Join us in making a difference!

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