The Greenwich United Way is seeking volunteers for its town-wide Reading Champions, the largest volunteer-driven early literacy program in town. Reading Champions recently completed its 16th-year of literacy support, helping improve reading fluency among Greenwich elementary students. A committed partner to Greenwich Public Schools (GPS), in the 2023-2024 school year Reading Champions had 120 volunteers supporting 350 students with one-on-one tutoring sessions in all 11 Greenwich Public Schools and three after-school programs. Two additional Reading Champions sites will debut in Fall 2024 with the YWCA after-school program and the Family First program at New Lebanon School, where evening sessions will serve students of families learning English as a second language.
“The success and effectiveness of Reading Champions is a testament to our incredible team of literacy volunteers,” said David Rabin. “The program is rewarding for both students and volunteers alike and we hope to grow our team of volunteers this year to make even more of a positive impact on the young learners in our town – whether we reach them during the school day or outside the classroom at one of the five after-school programs we will serve in the upcoming school year.”
Reading Champions volunteers enjoy a mutually fulfilling experience and are essential to the program’s success. Volunteers make a significant impact by dedicating their time to help elementary students improve their reading skills. Training and materials are provided to all volunteers, ensuring they are well-prepared to support the students. They are supported by dedicated on-site teams and GPS literacy specialists. Committed to its valuable volunteer team, Greenwich United Way hosts events throughout the year to nurture volunteer skillsets and honor their work. The volunteers for the Reading Champions program make an impact that goes beyond this school year. It is proven that when students receive support in literacy, their math, science, social and behavioral skills are also positively impacted.
Reading Champions began in 2008 with a pilot program at North Mianus School with eight reading tutors trained by literacy specialists to work with 24 students in first and second grade.
“Reading Champions exemplifies the mission of the Greenwich United Way to find it and fix it. As a committed partner to GPS for 16 years, we receive guidance from the district in how to provide consistent support for young readers who can benefit from the extra attention,” said Cecile Meunier, program manager of the Greenwich United Way. “This incredible program brings together literacy specialists with dedicated volunteers who are trained to provide reading support, fostering literacy skills and a love of learning in their students.”
Since its inception, Reading Champions has positively impacted the lives and strengthened the academic confidence of more than 5,000 students. The program will expand this summer to provide year-round support, enabling students to compound their progress and meet grade standards before the upcoming academic year.
Greenwich United Way will host a Reading Champions Seminar and Open House on September 26, 12:30-2:30 pm at Greenwich Town Hall, providing a great opportunity to learn more about the program and how to get involved. Those interested in volunteering should contact Cecile Meunier, the Reading Champions program manager, at cmeunier@greenwichunitedway.org or call 203-869-2221 for more details on how to join this impactful initiative.
