The America Reads Challenge program at ETSU is an opportunity for Federal Work-Study students to help eradicate illiteracy in our area.
The program began in 1994 as a presidential initiative.
Specifically, the goal for this program is to ensure that every American child will be capable of reading independently by the completion of their third grade year.
In schools throughout the country children are slipping through the cracks in the development of reading skills.
The program allows ETSU students the opportunity to individually tutor children throughout our community in area school in Johnson City, Washington, Carter, Sullivan and Unicoi counties. These tutors will be provided in area classrooms to provided one-on-one reading assistance to students whose reading level is below their grade level.
The “America Reads Chall-enge” will provide benefits to all of those involved. It will give area children the benefit and enjoyment of receiving personalized tutoring.
Not only will this enable them to improve their reading skills but in turn will also increase self-esteem by providing them with personal attention and an improved academic standing.
“By being an America Reads tutor, I believe ETSU students will help children become excited about reading,” said Aimee Umbarger, America Reads graduate assistant.
Area teachers will greatly appreciate the assistance of qualified tutors in their classroom.
Since most public classrooms are overcrowded it is nearly impossible for teachers to provide individual students with the extra reading attention that they may need.
Therefore, the presence of qualified tutors will help to reinforce the teacher’s efforts.
This program will be especially beneficial for the tutors involved. Tutors will not only receive payment for their services, usually around $7 per hour for a minimum of 6 hours each week, but they will also be able to make a positive contribution to the life of an area child.
Tutor training sessions are held throughout the semester to enhance the tutoring skills of the tutor.
ETSU and the community will benefit from this partnership as well. The university will benefit by providing students with educational opportunities and the community will be strengthened through the tutor’s efforts to improve future generation’s academic abilities.
Joy Fulkerson, coordinator for community service programs, and Umbarger facilitate the America Reads Challenge program from the Center for Student Life and Leadership at ETSU.
Since 1994, over 350 tutors have helped build the reading skills of approximately 2,000 students.
As many as 50 students are hired and trained each semester.
Anyone interested in becoming a tutor should visit the America Reads office located in Student Life and Leadership.
Students will participate in an individual interview for America Reads tutoring positions.
Tutors who are chosen must be screened and trained before assuming the role of a tutor.
If you are interested in gaining valuable tutoring experience or making a positive impact on a child contact the “America Reads Challenge” at ETSU at: America Reads Challenge, Campus Box 70618, Johnson City, TN 37614-0618, or call 439-5675.

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