United Way of Central Indiana seeking volunteers for ReadUP literacy program

United Way of Central Indiana is looking for volunteers for its ReadUP program, a literacy initiative that sends volunteers into elementary schools across the region to read with third graders who are behind on their reading skills.

Registration is open for those interested in volunteering for the coming school year, with the program set to begin after Labor Day.

During the 2023-2024 school year, 263 volunteers worked with 276 students at 20 schools in six counties.

This year, United Way is looking to recruit 350 volunteers in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, and Putnam counties.

For more than 16 years, ReadUP has helped students get on track with grade-level literacy. The program focuses on third grade, when students shift from learning to read to reading to learn.

The lingering effects of the coronavirus pandemic continue to be seen in students’ foundational reading skills, said Julie Kilger, United Way’s early care and learning director. And earlier this year, state lawmakers passed legislation that will hold back third graders who do not pass Indiana’s reading test, IREAD.

“Now more than ever we need to be supporting third grade readers who are behind catch up to their peers,” she said.

Last year, 92 percent of participating students saw increases in reading and comprehension skills. And tutors provided more than 4,800 hours of reading support.

Volunteers spend one hour a week reading with two students throughout the school year. Some volunteers choose to join the program with a partner, splitting the time commitment.

Volunteers must complete a background check and a one-hour virtual training session.

To learn more or sign up, visit uwci.org/readup.