FORT WORTH, Texas (June 28, 2019) – Read Fort Worth is undertaking the most ambitious service project in its history by assisting in the coordinated recruitment of at least 1,000 reading volunteers as part of a comprehensive reading volunteer initiative to support Fort Worth ISD, along with community partners Read2Win and Reading Partners.
Recruitment for reading volunteers will launch July 1 and continue throughout the 2019-20 school year. Reading volunteers will be asked to commit one hour per week on campuses across the District beginning this fall, reading with students from Kindergarten to 3rd grade.
“Becoming a reading volunteer is rewarding and the positive impact on the volunteer and student is special,” Read Fort Worth Executive Director Anel Mercado said. “This effort supports ensuring that 100 percent of Fort Worth ISD third-graders are reading on grade level by 2025.”
“We know that not all children start the educational race at the same educational starting line,” Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Dr. Kent Scribner said. “What we have is an opportunity gap – not an achievement gap. The strategic use of volunteers will support our comprehensive effort.”
Reading volunteer online signup begins July 1 at www.readfortworth.org/reading-volunteers. Read Fort Worth will contact prospective reading volunteers and coordinate a background check with Fort Worth ISD. Qualified reading volunteers will receive training before being connected with a campus reading program.
For more information on becoming a reading volunteer, please visit www.readfortworth.org/reading-volunteers.
About Read Fort Worth
Read Fort Worth exists to provide unique, actionable data; to organize and align partners under the shared 100×25 goal; to develop strategies for significant improvement, and to communicate best practices and drive results. For more information, visit www.ReadFortWorth.org.
About Fort Worth ISD
Fort Worth ISD enjoys a diverse student population – more than 85,000! — and strong community partnerships. Under the leadership of the superintendent and the Board of Education, the District is undergoing a series of initiatives that will redesign, transform, and revitalize Fort Worth ISD Schools.