Project Read

Project Read seeks to prevent and alleviate illiteracy by providing one-on-one tutoring services for adults in Utah County with low literacy skills to help them improve their reading and writing skills sufficiently to meet personal goals, function well in society, and become more productive citizens. The goals of Project Read are met through the cooperation of community volunteers and other organizations that serve adults with low literacy skills.

Description:

The Programs Project Read offers programs for both English and Spanish speakers looking to improve their reading and writing skills in either language.

The Students

Students are at least 16 years of age.

Students pay an annual $10 fee.

Students are able to speak English (Spanish if involved in the Spanish Literacy Program).

Students need help to achieve an eighth-grade reading level.

The Volunteers

Volunteers perform a variety of tasks including fundraising, public relations, and office work; however, the majority of Project Read's volunteers receive training to serve as tutors.

Volunteers commit to give at least six months of service.

Volunteer tutors can speak, read, and write English fluently (Spanish if involved in the Spanish Literacy Program).

Volunteer tutors commit to twice-weekly 1.5-hour tutoring sessions, in addition to any preparation and travel time.

Volunteer tutors commit to attend an orientation, 4-hour training session, and bi-monthly skill enhancement workshops.

What's New

In January 2009, Project Read commenced its first Health Literacy course. The curriculum lasted 10 weeks and covered many areas of basic personal and family health care. The course will continue to be taught in 10-week increments twice each year (Fall and Winter).

In September 2008, Project Read hosted its second annual Spelling Bee. Last year's champs, the Marians, came in second, coming in closely behind the 2009 winners, Dream Team Deleyne! Please join us this year for our 3rd year of spelling fun.

In 2007, Project Read held a Barnes & Noble Book Fair Fundraiser as well as a Scholastic Book Fair Fundraiser. Watch for other exciting fundraising opportunities for Project Read.

History:
The History

Project Read began in 1984 through the efforts of the Provo and Orem City Libraries, the Provo City School District, and other concerned members of the community.

Project Read expanded its tutorial sites to include the Provo, Orem, and Payson City Libraries; Deseret Industries; the Alpine Life & Learning Center; the Center for High School Studies; the Scenic View Center; the Food & Care Coalition; Brigham Young University; Utah Valley State College; and other local libraries in order to better serve all of Utah County.

Contact people:

Shauna Brown, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Emily Holmgren, Program Coordinator, (phone), (email) Sue Bartlett, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (801) 852-6654
TDD number: Dial 7-1-1 for Relay Utah
Office fax number: (801) 852-7663

Languages Spoken: English, Japanese, Sign Languages, Spanish

Address:

550 North University Ave, Suite 215 Provo, UT 84601 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.project-read.com

Directions:

Take the UNIVERSITY PARKWAY exit- exit number 272. Turn LEFT onto W UNIVERSITY PKWY/UT-265. Continue to follow UT-265 S. Turn RIGHT onto N UNIVERSITY AVE/US-189. End at 550 N UNIVERSITY AVE PROVO UT.   Nearest Bus Stop: 830, 1 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Services
	Project Read offers programs for both English and Spanish speakers looking to improve their reading and writing skills in either language.
Funding
	Provo School District, United Way of Utah County, Provo and Orem CDBG, Provo City Library, GEAR UP, Utah Commission on Volunteers, IHC, Microsoft
Affliations
	Various

Last updated on June 8, 2010