WHY WE DO IT:
- Because we know children spend a lot of time learning to read through 3rd Grade, but after that they must be able to read well to learn.
- Because students who don’t read proficiently by the 3rd grade are 4 times likelier to drop out of school.
- Because children who show up at school ready to learn and maintain that readiness do better in life.
- Because 2/3 of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of 4th grade will end up in jail or on welfare.
HOW WE DO IT:
- Through partnerships with our funders (like you), the school district and local non-profits
we are ensuring that our earliest learners are on grade level.
- By working with teachers and principals, we are targeting the most at-risk students and
ensuring they have the support they need.
- By working with non-profits we are leveraging their strengths in culture and community with that of teachers to ensure that students are getting what they need.
Growing Great Readers
The Growing Great Readers AmeriCorps program is a high quality, comprehensive, research-based English literacy tutoring program that supports students, families, and the community. Growing Great Readers’ mission is to provide low-income schools with AmeriCorps tutors to ensure that children advance to grade level reading before 3rd Grade. Learn More
Vello is one-on-one online tutoring that makes volunteering and community impact easy. Read with kids without leaving your workplace. Vello also matches schools to local, corporate sponsors and volunteers, giving students access to people committed to improving their reading.
Summer S.A.I.L. (Science and Inquiry Learning) is a 6-week summer enrichment program that aims to prevent the “summer slide” and increase literacy rates in Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties. The program started in 2014 at Sampit Elementary. Learn More
Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school, no matter their family’s income. Children in Georgetown County are eligible for books. For More information about the local program contact (843) 546-6317 or visit imaginationlibrary.com
The STAR Program connects community members and stakeholders to Kindergarten through 3rd Grade students who need extra support in reading. These children are known as striving readers. Black River United Way wants to implement this program in your school. Become a STAR Volunteer Today.
Positive Parenting Program (Triple P)
The vision for this initiative is that if private and public organizations share a common approach to parent education, they will affect a culture change that will make it more possible that all children and youth will have opportunities to reach their full potential. This vision is shared among members of the Georgetown County Youth Collaborative Groups who believe they can help children and youth best when people, organizations, and agencies work together on parent education. To learn more about Triple P, please contact Tamara Greene at (843) 833-8310