Last fall, we launched Reading Corps in Idaho and Math Corps and Early Learning Corps in New York. We’re excited to share that during their inaugural school year, tutors from the programs served more than 1,200 students!
Idaho: Reading Corps
In their first year, Idaho Reading Tutors conducted over 39,000 sessions, serving more than 700 students across the state. This adds up to an astounding 777,500 minutes of tutoring!
Idaho tutors enjoyed making a difference both in the classroom and the wider community. Earlier this month, members facilitated activities at a number of free community events as part of “Idaho at Play,” an initiative to get kids moving and encourage healthy habits. All AmeriCorps members in Idaho get to design, execute, and participate in activities throughout the state and Reading Corps members teamed up with over 25 community organizations to get kids active!
“AmeriCorps is up to great things,” says Reading Tutor Cheri. “I have more of a sense of community today than I ever had and Idaho at Play was definitely a part of that.”
To top it off, Reading Corps also put on a dance party sponsored by local partners to celebrate with their students. As part of the event, members gave away 1,700 donated books to students for free!
New York: Math Corps and Early Learning Corps
On the other side of the country, Math Corps and Early Learning Corps launched in Poughkeepsie, New York. In just one school district, New York tutors served more than 560 students. Reflecting on a successful first year, New York Executive Director Katrina Gobins feels pride in how much good the programs did with a small but dedicated inaugural cohort.
“They say it takes a village to raise a child and we have shown how a place-based approach with AmeriCorps members and the strength of our community can have a positive effect,” says Gobins. “Not only for the children receiving tutoring services, but also the members who are serving from our communities.”
“This past year serving as an Early Learning Corps member has been amazing,” agrees George, an Early Learning Tutor. “Working with the children has been a joyous and humbling experience: one I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Thank you to all our partners and members in Idaho and New York! We look forward to continuing to work together to make a difference in the upcoming school year. If you want to help students build stronger skills in Idaho, check out our opportunities here or to get involved in New York, visit join.readingandmath.org.