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What is America Reads?

America Reads is a nationwide literacy project aimed at teaching the majority of children to read well and independently by the end of third grade. Through America Reads, more than 350 tutors from the University are placed in Minneapolis and St. Paul schools each year.

America Reads is sponsored by the University’s Literacy Initiative and the College of Education and Human Development. Tutors work in elementary schools and after-school programs with the intention of improving the literacy skills of children, and attend trainings to develop their skills. Chapters exist in the University YMCA and Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE) as well.

Mission Statement

The America Reads tutoring program facilitates a reciprocal partnership between the University of Minnesota and Minneapolis/St. Paul schools and community centers. This partnership supports academic, personal, and career development of both K-12 and University students by:

• Assisting in the development of literacy skills through one-on-one and small group tutoring at America Reads sites
• Providing young students with consistent, positive role models who expose young students to higher education
• Creating an America Reads community and encouraging tutors to become reflective, engaged thinkers through ongoing training and reflection
• Exposing America Reads tutors to diverse environments and people and providing a base for a lifetime of civic engagement
• Encouraging the development of job skills by holding America Reads tutors accountable for their responsibilities to their sites and to the America Reads program.