This summer, NBC 5 has been spotlighting organizations making strides in childhood literacy. One such organization, Reading Partners North Texas, recently honored the dedicated AmeriCorps volunteers who play a crucial role in their efforts to improve reading skills among young students.
These AmeriCorps volunteers, who spent the 2023-2024 school year supporting students in enhancing their reading abilities, were celebrated for their contributions.
“You’re shifting a student’s mindset from a fixed mindset to one of growth,” said volunteer Crystal Dupont.
Despite the fact that fewer than 40 percent of fourth graders in North Texas read at grade level, students who participated in the Reading Partners program showed remarkable progress. According to program directors, 87 percent of these students achieved their reading goals thanks to the efforts of volunteers like Dupont and Julie Hagood, who has been volunteering for three years.
“I’ve seen people from ages 14 to 84 come in to tutor these kids, and when I realized I could do it at age 55, I jumped at the opportunity,” Hagood said. “Tutors and students might come in feeling apprehensive, but they leave with confidence, knowing their efforts have made a difference.”
Dupont shares similar sentiments.
“We’ve worked with students who were initially nonverbal or lacked confidence in reading. By the time they know it’s tutoring time, they’re excited and eager. We’ve helped them develop a love for reading,” Dupont said.
Reading Partners North Texas is always in need of volunteers. For more information on how you can contribute, visit their website.
