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.

AT&T Area Manager Keith Lakatosh, of Grosse Ile, who has logged more than 520 volunteer hours this year, said this program is worthwhile and convenient for busy professionals.

“What keeps me motivated is the improvement I see week over week and especially month over month,” Lakatosh said of his work with his mentee, Dequaine Dixon.

Dorothy DeBaene, who works in construction and engineering for AT&T, is another volunteer.

"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.