BETTENDORF, Iowa — The United Way Quad Cities is asking for some additional help with its Read United program.
In Read United, community members are paired with a local student for one-on-one reading practice for 30 minutes a week. 16 schools in Rock Island and Scott counties participate in the program, but United Way officials said 300 kids are currently waiting for a partner to work with.
“All students deserve success in school, but the reality is, only 55% of Quad Cities third graders are reading at grade level,” Marci Zogg with the United Way said. “Read United offers a unique opportunity for community members to be a hero for struggling readers, instilling a lifelong love of reading."
The program has proven results, too; United Way officials said that 62% of kids who participated in the Read United session in spring 2023 improved their reading proficiency levels.
Anyone interested in helping can sign up for a shift here. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and participate in a 30-minute training. The United Way said that new volunteers are requested to sign up by Friday, March 1.
Watch more news, weather and sports on News 8's YouTube channel