YREADS! is looking for volunteers

45% of Pinellas county students are not reading on grade level. In some schools that number is 80%. It's not just about current academic success; the skill gap has lasting effects. According to the Department of Justice, "The link between academic failure and delinquency, violence, and crime is welded to reading failure."

The good news is most struggling young readers can be brought up to grade level with targeted instruction. YREADS!, an afterschool literacy program at the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg works with the bottom quartile readers in Kindergarten through 3rd grade using research based curricula to improve phonics skills, vocabulary and comprehension. Last year, students in the program experienced a full year of reading growth.

The program would not be possible without volunteers. Volunteers teach phonics, read stories, and mentor young students for a couple of hours each week. Help us make a difference! If you're interested in learning more, please call (727) 895-9622 ext. 2151 or visit our website www.stpeteymca.org/ymcareads.