The Albuquerque Reads program is seeking donations to help students continue their reading journey over the summer. With the school year nearing its end, the program has planned celebrations at participating elementary schools. During these events, each student will receive a tote bag equipped with books to encourage summer reading. The Chamber aims to enrich these tote bags with fun, educational, and tasty coupons or giveaways from local business members. Interested businesses are encouraged to contribute items such as restaurant coupons, school supplies, crafting materials, and reusable tote bags.
Kayla Nelson, the program director, is the point of contact for those wishing to support this initiative. She can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at (505) 843-7323.
The significance of literacy is underscored by research indicating that students who do not read at grade level by third grade are significantly more likely to drop out of high school. Albuquerque Reads has been effective in enhancing literacy amongst kindergarten and first-grade students, showing "impressive improvement" despite challenges posed by the pandemic, which has exacerbated educational achievement gaps in New Mexico.
For over two decades, Albuquerque Reads, in partnership with Albuquerque Public Schools, has delivered reading support to Title I schools. The program deploys tutors to engage 90 minutes each week with young students, following a curriculum overseen by teachers. This initiative also provides each child with at least 20 books per year for continued learning at home.
