AT&T Helps Fund Online Literacy Program

At Detroit's Ronald Brown Academy Tuesday, excited 6 and 7-year-olds waited for their named to be called to get a look at who has been coaching them through reading lessons throughout the school year.

Since November, volunteers from AT&T and other companies have devoted 30 minutes a week to helping the first-graders learn to read through a national program called TutorMate. 

With $5,000 in funding from AT&T, the tutoring is done virtually – using a computer, microphone and headsets. But Tuesday, the Detroit area mentors and mentees met face-to-face for the first time.

Waves, smiles and  high-fives went up along with giggles and exchanges of gifts and cards when identities were revealed.

Mentors include Dorothy DeBaene, who works in construction and engineering for AT&T.

"I've always wanted to help kids learn how to read. That's a passion I have," she said of her involvement in the program. 

She said she was delighted to meet Ariel Garrett, 7. "She's a riot over the phone," DeBaene said.

Lear Corporation employee Jeff Spicuzzi, who has been working with 6-year-old Santana McCloud, was also among the volunteers on hand Tuesday.

"I like to read. It's fun," Santana said.

Spicuzzi said it is "wonderful to form relationships over reading."