After more than a year of virtual and hybrid tutoring, Reading Power kicked off its 19th program year in person. “The smiles, laughter and connections made in person are invaluable,” Lisa Bulzoni, Executive Director of Programs and Operations commented.

During the pandemic, due to school closures and the barrier of low engagement in virtual learning, the literacy needs of at-risk students rapidly grew in numbers. Students are now even further behind. Low-income minority families were hit the hardest both economically and socially by COVID 19.

The inability to read proficiently leads to a lifetime of devastating results and statistics show that two-thirds of children who cannot read well by the end of third grade will likely end up in welfare or even jail. More than 80 percent of the incarcerated population consists of high school dropouts.

Reading Power is doing its part to make a difference. One-to- one reading support has proven to be a catalyst towards acceleration in learning to read. This nonprofit organization provides young children the intervention they need at a cost of approximately $2000 per student each year.

Located in Lake County since 2003, Reading Power has provided literacy tutoring to over 4,100 children in prekindergarten through second grade in the areas of North Chicago, Waukegan, and Zion. This nonprofit organization has more than 250 professionally trained volunteer tutors who make a lifetime of difference. Reading Power is always in need of volunteers to provide one-to-one tutoring for children, helping them accelerate their literacy gains, develop confidence, and embrace a love of reading and writing that lasts a lifetime.

Please visit readingpowerinc.org to get involved.