University of Michigan
America Reads

Program Contact: Ann Olson
Phone: (734) 764-0577
Email: anewberg@umich.edu

Our Mission:
America Reads is committed to meeting the challenge to have all children reading well and independently by the end of third grade. Our mission is to:
* Get kids excited about reading.
* Improve kids' literacy skills.
* Provide greater access to books and opportunities reading
with an adult.
* Support literacy development at home.

Our History:
Unless a child reads well by the end of third grade, he or she is unlikely to ever catch up, leaving that child at a lifelong disadvantage. Nationwide, a staggering 40 percent of America's fourth graders cannot read as well as they should. In August of 1996, President Clinton called upon every American to join his America Reads Challenge to help more children read well and independently by the end of the third grade.

In the Fall of 1997, the Edward Ginberg Center for Community Service and Learning, the Office of Financial Aid, and the School of Education joined forces to form the University of Michigan America Reads Tutoring Corps. Beginning in September, 2005 the Tutoring Corps expanded from approximately 100 to 200 tutors thanks to a grant from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation to expand the program. Each year more than 600 children in area schools receive reading assistance from America Reads Tutors.

About Our Community Partners:
To ensure successful implementation of the program, partnerships are formed with area school districts where:
* Children will benefit from additional academic support;
* Teachers are able to support and work with tutors;
* Administrators are interested in working together and sharing responsibilities with America Reads.

To contact America Reads at the University of Michigan:
Kristi Fenrich - klynnf@umich.edu

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