America Reads / America Counts

America Reads / America Counts provides reading and/or math assistance through in-school tutoring, supervised after-school tutoring, in-person or virtual individualized support after school and on Saturdays, and support during the ISU Summer Session. The program serves Kindergarten through 9th grade students, and tutors are enthusiastic undergraduate and graduate students. Hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Programs

• America Reads / America Counts — Kindergarten through 9th grade students · In-school tutoring; supervised after-school tutoring; in-person or virtual individualized support after school and on Saturdays; during the ISU Summer Session · Provides reading and/or math assistance. Tutors are enthusiastic undergraduate and graduate students.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–14 years old
• General schedule: Hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, and Saturdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Hours on Fridays are limited during the Summer Session to 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for in-person placements. Tutoring will not be provided when the University is closed. Tutors are not required to provide support during finals week or Spring break, unless special arra

About the provider

The America Reads program began in 1996, and America Counts was initiated in July 1999. The leadership team includes Lyn Morris, Program Coordinator, and Olivia Ferzacca and Paulina Quintana Lopez, Program Assistants. The program serves the Bloomington-Normal community through local schools, public libraries, the Illinois State University campus, after-school programs, and community centers.

Eligibility requirements must be met. Applicants must be recipients of a Federal Work Study award, enrolled at least half-time at Illinois State, provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, pass a federal criminal fingerprint background investigation, and have a GPA of 2.5. As a paid tutor, minimum commitment is 2 hours/week for one full semester; maximum is 28 hours/week. Paid mandatory training sessions are required.

What families say

“ISU has a focus on civic engagement. The community benefits from the service, but ISU students get multiple benefits: Federal Work-Study dollars; experience of working with kids, especially if they’re going into teaching; and graduating students get help by boosting their resumes. This is making an impact on someone’s life, and it started with not more than 20 tutors.” — Bridget Curl

“Parents with limited English or no English language skills reach out to the program for assistance. Our tutors assist parents when completing enrollment forms, etc. All enrollment forms are available in Spanish, and ISU bilingual students are in great demand.” — Lyn Morris

Last updated August 24, 2026.