Scott Hindman Public Safety BIG Chair Excellent Schools New Mexico | Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce
Albuquerque Reads is seeking volunteers to join its tutoring program for the upcoming school year. The initiative, organized by the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, depends on volunteer tutors to help young students develop essential reading and writing skills.
Albuquerque Reads has been operational for over 20 years in cooperation with Albuquerque Public Schools, focusing on kindergarten and first-grade literacy in Title I schools, including Atrisco, Bel Air, and Whittier elementary schools. The program invites volunteers to commit 90 minutes weekly or join a team to volunteer one week per month.
Volunteer tutors receive training from Albuquerque Public Schools at the beginning of their involvement and ongoing guidance throughout the year. Training sessions are scheduled for August and continue during the school year.
The program reports consistent progress among participating students from the start to the end of the academic year. Literacy is particularly crucial due to research indicating that students not reading at grade level by third grade face a higher risk of dropping out of high school. Kayla Nelson, ABQ Reads Program Director, can be contacted for more details about volunteering at [email protected] or (505) 843-7323.
Additionally, the program addresses the widened achievement gaps caused by the pandemic, which have disproportionately affected economically disadvantaged and Hispanic students in New Mexico. Albuquerque Reads provides each child with at least 20 books annually to encourage at-home practice with their families.
To learn more about Albuquerque Reads and volunteer opportunities, visit abqreads.com.
