Reading Partners

Reading Partners offers direct tutoring for children in kindergarten through fourth grade who are six months to 2.5 years behind grade level in reading. Students receive two 45-minute tutoring sessions each week, in person or online, and volunteers are trained to use the curriculum. The program also includes students receiving books to read at home.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–10 years old

About the provider

Reading Partners says its mission is to increase access to literacy education. The organization says it has delivered more than 3 million direct tutoring sessions over 25 years and has been a partner of AmeriCorps for nearly 15 years. It works with schools, communities, community partners, individuals, companies, organizations, and AmeriCorps.

• Direct tutoring — Kindergarten through fourth grade; students must be six months to 2.5 years behind grade level in reading and attend a partner school or community organization · Two 45-minute tutoring sessions each week; 2-3 weekly tutoring sessions per week; in-person or online
• Family engagement and education opportunities — Offered in addition to direct tutoring through community organizations, schools, and afterschool providers.
• Summer tutoring — Add-on service.
• Family engagement and trainings — Add-on service.

Students are referred by teachers, principals, or other educators. Students are assessed at enrollment. Reading assessments are administered three times during the year, and teachers are formally surveyed twice each year. Students are enrolled for two 45-minute tutoring sessions each week, with around 30 sessions completed within the school year on average. Students are re-evaluated each year.

What families say

“Mr. Matt is one of the reasons why I like reading now. I appreciate him because he took the time out of his life just to be with me and help me learn.” — Matthew, fourth-grade student

“It’s a life changing experience when you help a child learn to read.” — Julie Marie Menefee Hauser, tutor

Last updated September 20, 2026.