In partnership with Washtenaw Promise, Read with Kids supports students in achieving grade-level reading proficiency by the time they reach 2nd grade. Our staff designs robust curriculum based in the Science of Reading and uses a structured framework to develop joyful, foundational associations with books and reading. Kindergarten-1st graders meet 1:1 or 1:2 with dedicated volunteer reading mentors who provide consistent literacy practice, model a love of reading, & offer meaningful social-emotional support.

Sessions are flexible to last anywhere from 30-65 minutes and include engaging read-alouds, hands-on phonological awareness-building activities, and educational ‘choice bin’ games; these develop critical early literacy skills and strengthen children’s confidence which are both necessary for them to thrive as readers and as learners. We began a partnership with EMU’s College of Education in 2026 to ensure our emerging readers have consistent, regular volunteer mentorship while simultaneously equipping our community’s future educators with hands-on experience, getting to know the students and schools in our area.

Volunteer experience: 

Volunteers work with children in small groups or 1-on-1 and serve as reading mentors to introduce children to books, read aloud together, engage in fun activities with them! These sessions aim to create positive foundational associations with books, reading, learning, and school. The volunteer commitment for Read with Kids is year-long, but we will do our best to accommodate your schedule if you let us know!

Donations:

$30 provides take-home books for two groups of Kindergartners.
$100 supports our healthy breakfast at each school’s end-of-year celebration.
$350 purchases books for an entire grade-level of young readers.