College of Education and Human Development

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

CEHD america reads

Founded in 1998, CEHD America Reads is a literacy tutoring program housed in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Undergraduate students at the University of Minnesota train as literacy mentors to support K-8th grade students in reading skills, homework help, and other educational enrichment activities at schools and community sites. The program partners with community organizations across Minneapolis and St. Paul, both in-person and remotely.

CEHD America Reads is committed to positively impacting young people by teaching them lifelong learning skills and helping them cultivate an interest in secondary and higher education, and by creating positive outcomes in literacy through our relationships in the Twin Cities communities.

Interested in becoming a community partner to advance literacy for all students? Contact Jennifer Kohler.

Support us

Your contribution can help improve literacy and strengthen communities in the Twin Cities. Consider supporting the work of America Reads with a financial gift.

Quote from Jacob Reineking

Some of my most rewarding moments this past semester have been with CEHD America Reads when I was able to teach students something that they didn’t know before and see them have that “ah-ha” moment.

Jacob Reineking Literacy mentor and English major

About this program

Job description

Mentor/tutor K-8 students in Minneapolis and St. Paul schools and community sites. Work in a variety of settings including 1:1 tutoring, small-group tutoring, and as classroom support. Areas of focus include: reading development, homework help, and various educational, mentoring, and enrichment activities. Be a positive and encouraging role model for young people. Literacy mentors work 2-8 hours per week, on average.

Position Benefits:

  • Flexible scheduling options
  • Paid trainings
  • Transportation is arranged
  • Earn $15.00-16.25 an hour
  • Rewarding and supportive work environment

Become a literacy mentor

CEHD America Reads offers a supportive work environment for undergraduate students to engage, grow, and learn. Literacy mentors gain valuable work experience, build meaningful relationships with young people, and earn work-study funds*.

*Applicants must already have a work-study award to apply.

How to apply

    Apply today

    For more information about how you can make an impact by becoming a literacy mentor or to apply, contact Program Director Jennifer Kohler.

    Connect with us

    If you want to find out more about what's going on with CEHD America Reads, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.