Programs
Our Case
In the U.S. today, a stark disparity exists between the reading abilities of low-income and higher-income children. Without intervention, the literacy gap only widens with time.Research proves that reading aloud with children is the single most important activity for helping them become successful readers. By reading aloud with low-income students, we can help bridge the literacy gap. EVERYBODY WINS! offers four distinct literacy and mentoring programs designed to cultivate academic success and the love of reading: Power Lunch, Readers Are Leaders, Story Time and EW! Book Clubs. Each offers simplicity and flexibility. By providing training, coordination, supplies, supervision and support, EVERYBODY WINS! makes participation nearly effortless.
Power Lunch
EVERYBODY WINS!’ signature program, Power Lunch, is a lunchtime literacy and mentoring program proven to improve reading skills and attitudes. Each week, groups of adult volunteers travel on their lunch breaks to a nearby elementary school for one hour of one-on-one reading with a low-income student. Student-mentor pairs promote the skills and love of reading by reading aloud, sharing favorite stories and talking about books. Volunteers commit to Power Lunch and their student for one year and are encouraged to continue the mentoring relationship, often following the student throughout their elementary years. Some affiliates also offer Power Breakfast. (more)
Readers Are Leaders
Following the lunchtime literacy and mentoring model, Readers Are Leaders pairs upper-grade student mentors with younger students for weekly one-on-one, one hour read-aloud sessions. Readers Are Leaders helps both sets of students develop their love and appreciation for reading while promoting community service to the student mentors.
Story Time
Story Time brings storytellers and local authors into elementary schools to perform for students, bringing stories to life through music, dance and audience participation.
EW! Book Club
In EW! Book Clubs, groups of 4th and 5th grade students and their adult reading mentors select a book to read each month. On a specified day, the Club gathers for a group discussion led by the school librarian or reading mentor.
