Project Description
ESD 101 partners with the Washington Reading Corps (WRC) to oversee and support AmeriCorps*State/VISTA members awarded to elementary schools in their three county service region.
WRC Members help build the capacity of local school reading programs by working with school staff to design or enhance a volunteer tutor program that is aligned with the school reading curriculum and overall school schedule. AmeriCorps*State members primarily perform direct service tutoring one-on-one or in small groups to support struggling readers identified by each host school. AmeriCorps*VISTA members work with their schools to perform community outreach by recruiting community and peer and cross-age volunteer tutors, as well as work with local businesses to provide in-kind donations that support tutoring programs. Both AmeriCorps*State and AmeriCorps*VISTA members work with schools to increase family involvement by planning and helping to coordinate activities such as family literacy events and take home reading tips and packets.
The WRC provides unique opportunities for Members of all ages to gain experience in direct tutoring, volunteer management, and community strengthening.  In addition to providing support to schools, WRC members develop their own leadership skills by participating in monthly team meetings, WSC sponsored statewide SERVES training and by leading local service projects.  All project activities are designed to encourage leadership, responsibility, and a strong service ethic among our participants.