It’s incredible to think it’s already been five years since Reading Corps and Math Corps launched in California! Although our story in the Golden state began in Stockton, today Reading Corps, Math Corps and Early Learning Corps are now supporting students in Fresno, Imperial, Merced, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Stanislaus, and Tulare counties.
Serving High-Need Communities
As the most populated state in the country, California is working hard to ensure all students have equal access to education. With the state focus on bridging gaps, Reading Corps, Math Corps and Early Learning Corps are uniquely positioned to help.
“To date, we’ve served 14,000 students in California,” says Audrey Borland, Executive Director of California Programs. But that’s only part of the story. “96% of students served were from socioeconomically disadvantaged households: That’s 43 percent higher than the state average.”
In addition to supporting students from socioeconomically challenged households, our team in California is also focused on meeting the needs of rural school districts.
“Our rural schools are facing unique challenges,” says Borland. “As partners, we’re ready to help.”
She notes that although only 10% of California districts are rural, about 20% of Reading Corps, Math Corps and Early Learning Corps partner schools are located in rural areas.
Building a Teacher Pipeline
While helping California students build strong skills, Reading Corps, Math Corps and Early Learning Corps are also working to attract new educators. In fact, 65% of tutors surveyed said they were interested in pursuing a career in education! With the state facing declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs and the Department of Education reporting 10,000 teacher vacancies, building a new pathway to teaching is essential.
“I personally feel like Reading Corps was a great way to start my career,” says Chris, a fifth-grade teacher in Vista, California and Reading Corps alum.
In addition to becoming teachers, California tutors have gone on to other jobs in education like school counselors, paraeducators, and more!
Charting a Course for the Future
“We’re thankful for all of our partners across the state for helping us support so many students in our first five years,” says Borland. “We hope to build on that momentum and reach even more students in more districts in the years to come.”
You can be a part of student success in California! We’re looking for people to serve as tutors for Reading Corps, Math Corps, and Early Learning Corps this fall. Learn more about how to get involved and apply at readingandmath.org/locations/california.