Read to Succeed program works, now and for the future

As we embark on another school year, literacy again is top of mind.

The United Way Read to Succeed program has been an overwhelming success. Last year, for example, 191 of 192 children who participated in the program improved their reading proficiency by one complete grade level.

Read to Succeed is a program that pairs students with adult readers. Students are chosen for the program based on their reading skills and are paired with a volunteer for 30 to 40 minutes, four days a week for a minimum of 45 sessions.

Literacy, obviously, is the foundation for learning, which is the cornerstone for success. By identifying struggling readers early, and giving them support, children are given a chance to succeed in school and life.

A new director, Charla Myers, has been hired to lead the program. She is searching for about 200 volunteers for five Cape Girardeau elementary schools.

The Read to Succeed program, made possible by the United Way's GRACES Women's Council, Cape Girardeau Public Schools and Procter & Gamble, is a great program to help children learn. Volunteer training will be offered during the last week of August and the first week of September.

To learn how you could become a volunteer for the program, contact the United way at 334-9634.