One word at a time: ABQ Reads seeks volunteers to help increase literacy rates among young readers

ABQ Reads is seeking volunteers for the upcoming school year.

The literacy program of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce has worked with Albuquerque Public Schools since 1984, according to an ABQ Reads news release. The program relies on volunteer tutors to assist young students attain the life-changing skills of reading and writing.

With the start of the school year, ABQ Reads is seeking new volunteers to join its program. Tutors volunteer 90 minutes of their time at three APS schools: Atrisco, Bel Air and Whittier elementaries. Tutors, who prefer to join a team, can volunteer one week a month.

ABQ Reads relies on more than 150 adult volunteers. Some volunteers have been with the program for more than 20 years, according to the news release. The more tutors the program has, the more kindergarten and first-grade students it can serve, and allows for consideration to expand to other APS campuses.

APS equips volunteers with training prior to starting their one-on-one tutoring and guides tutors throughout the school year. ABQ Reads tutor training sessions will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 and 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 12.

ABQ Reads is a game changer for learning for children who struggle with reading, according to Michelle Donaldson, ABQ Reads chairwoman, GACC board member and KOB-TV general manager.

"The power of one-on-one tutoring is what makes Albuquerque Reads so effective," she said in the news release. "By moving kids up in reading level, a wider world of learning is opened to them."

In 1984, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce created the ABQ Reads program as a 501(c)3 nonprofit as a way for the business community to help shape education reform in the city and state. The program's primary mission is to increase literacy achievement among struggling young readers.

In 2003, kindergarteners at Bel Air Elementary became the first group to receive literacy tutoring from ABQ Reads volunteers.

By the end of each school year, students who have been part of the program have demonstrated higher levels of reading, are able to write age level appropriate summaries of books they have read and are able to better comprehend stories that have been read to them, according to the news release.

Each student also receives up to 20 books to add to their personal home libraries to continue their advancement in literacy.

"Albuquerque Reads is a chance for volunteers to make an immediate impact on day one," Donaldson said in the news release. "Giving a child the confidence and joy of reading is a life-long gift. It changes the educational opportunities and outcomes in a substantial way."

For more information on how to become a tutor, donate funding or grade-level appropriate books to the program, visit ABQReads.com.