"Second grade is a critical turning

point in a child’s educational

development. Through second

grade, children learn to read; after

second grade, they read to learn.

With the help of teachers, school

administrators and reading specialists, STAIR identifies second and third graders currently reading below grade level. These students are matched with a dedicated volunteer tutor twice-weekly or on a Saturday morning. These one-on-one tutoring sessions are tailored to each individual student’s ability. STAIR is offered to families and schools at no charge and tutoring sites are strategically located to help alleviate transportation issues and other potential barriers to participation.

Building relationships between the student and tutor is key to what we do. Each child works with the same tutor every week and receives caring, undivided attention during the session. They read together, play word games, complete writing exercises, and practice basic literacy skills like phonics and vocabulary. The bonds formed in these sessions benefit both student and tutor for life".