Welcome to the Community Involvement Center

America Reads Tutoring Program

Did you know that 40% of American Children are not reading well enough?

Research shows that if children cannot read well by the end of third grade, their chances for later success are significantly diminished. Studies have found that sustained individualized attention and tutoring after school can raise reading levels when combined with parental involvement and quality school instruction. In response to this, President Clinton challenged colleges and universities to invest a significant portion of their federally allocated work-study funds toward tutoring children to read. Rice University accepted this challenge!

The America Reads Tutoring Program is helping to meet the needs of children in our community by matching Rice University students with local at-risk youth. Participating students receive an hourly wage to supplement educational costs while becoming directly involved in the problem solving of a pressing social issue. This is of great benefit to Houston tutoring programs, that, as a result of the America Reads Tutoring Program, receive a committed staff of tutors without any financial hindrance.

How is this program different from working on-campus?

The America Reads Tutoring Program differs from on-campus work-study positions in that you are responsible for transportation to and from the tutoring site; you are supervised by staff at your tutoring site in addition to being responsible to the Community Involvement Center (where you apply, submit your time sheets, etc.); your starting salary is higher ($9.00 per tutoring hour) than most on-campus positions because we recognize the great importance of this position and the extra effort it takes to work off-campus; you are required to meet once a month for a group discussion and/or training session; and, finally, you are positively influencing a child's future.

Where are the tutoring sites?

The goal of the America Reads Tutoring Program is to enhance the reading skills of elementary age students. There are three participating agencies in the Houston community.

Houston Independent School District (HISD), Wharton Elementary School
In 2000, Wharton became HISD's first Dual Language Magnet School, offering Spanish Language Immersion to English-speaking students and a developmental bilingual model to all Spanish-speaking students (note: tutors are not required to speak Spanish). Students at Wharton come from a diverse range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

There are two tutoring options at Wharton: as a daytime tutor, you will be paired with one child to help them with reading and/or math. As an after-school tutor, you will help small groups of children with homework and academic enrichment activities. Wharton is located on West Gray Street, a short drive or bus ride from Rice.

Nehemiah Neighborhood Center, Academic Enrichment Program
The Nehemiah Neighborhood Center provides extended educational opportunities for disadvantaged children of all ages and their parents. Their all-day preschool program helps build foundations for reading and math for children ages 2-4. The after-school enrichment program provides elementary through junior high school students with the opportunity to enhance what they learn at school. The Nehemiah Center strives to provide resources to the students that they might not otherwise have access to, such as a library filled with children's books, a math center with fun games to build basic skills, and a computer lab with educational sofware to help them with homework.

The Nehemiah Center is located on Fannin Street, a short bike ride or drive from Rice University. As an America Reads tutor, you will supervise and assist with daily homework, plus reading and math enrichment activities for at-risk students in kindergarten through 5th grade.

Star of Hope Mission
Started over 100 years ago, this unique organization provides shelter and help to over 900 of Houston's homeless families through structured recovery programs. As part of their educational program, America Reads Tutors will work one-on-one with disadvantaged children that have led disrupted, difficult lives. The program attempts to make after school resources available to the children in order for them to have stability, guidance, and assistance to break the cycle of homelessness.

As an after school tutor, you will be expected to help children with homework, educational activities, and work with individuals who need extra attention. Tutoring hours are Monday through Friday, 2:00-6:00pm, and Saturday, 9:00am-12:00pm.

About the America Reads Program
Steps to Becoming an America Reads Tutor
Application for America Reads Tutoring Program
Site Contacts and Directions
America Reads Timesheet
Tutoring, Mentoring, and Literacy Resources