Studies show that if a child is not reading at grade level by 3rd grade, when they reach the stage where they need to “read to learn,” it greatly impacts their ability to graduate on time.
The Data
A student not reading at grade level by the end of 3rd grade is 4 times more likely to drop out of high school. Add poverty into the mix and that same student is 6 times more likely not to finish high school.
Research shows that children whose parents have low skill levels have a 72% chance of being at the lowest reading level themselves.
Current Programs
Reading Buddy Program - Volunteer Opportunity! Help local children achieve literacy!
The United Way's Reading Buddies program is a vital volunteer program that impacts grade-level reading success for local kids. Volunteers work directly with students on a weekly basis and have the power to help boost academic achievement for a child - setting the right track for a brighter future. Studies show that if a child is not reading at grade level by 3rd grade, when they reach the stage where they need to “read to learn,” it greatly impacts their ability to graduate on time.