The America Reads Challenge calls on all Americans to support teachers and help ensure that every American child can read well and independently by the end of 3rd grade.  You can play an important role in the America Reads Challenge by working with students who need extra help beyond the classroom to read well.

American students are competitive on international comparisons when it comes to literacy, but too many young people are struggling through school because they have not mastered essential and basic reading skills.  Research demonstrates that if students cannot read well by the end of the 3rd grade, their chances for success are significantly diminished, and they have a greater likelihood of dropping out or engaging in escalating delinquent behaviors.  In 1994, 40% of America's 4th graders failed to attain the basic level of reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress.  In response, the President announced the Administration's commitment to mobilizing public and private resources to help all our children to read well.

The College of William and Mary is looking for graduate students who have an interest in children and would like to participate in our tutoring program.  You will be tutoring elementary school children to help them improve their reading skills.  Experience working with children is preferred but not necessary.  There will be an orientation as well as training sessions.  You must be prepared to tutor in a school at least five hours a week, and provide your own transportation.

New Opportunity for Financial Aid

Those graduate students interested in the America Reads Challenge must first submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  If you have not already done so, please complete and submit the FAFSA to Federal Student Aid Programs.  The code for William and Mary is 003705.  This is a Work-Study tutoring stipend that will be awarded in the amount of $2000 per year.  Please keep in mind this is a need based program that may have an affect on your total financial aid award.  Please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid if you have questions, (757) 221-2420.

Graduate students from all programs are encouraged to apply.  Tutors will be selected by a committee from the College of William and Mary.  To be considered, please return the attached application, a resume, and a copy of your fall semester class schedule to the following address:

Dr. James Beers, Director
America Reads Challenge Program
School of Education
P.O. Box 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact James Beers by phone (757) 221-2385 or by email (jwbeer@wm.edu ).

On-line Application.