FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: Tuesday, November 2, 2021
HEADER: United Way’s READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. launches in 18 schools
MONROE, La. — United Way of Northeast Louisiana launched a new year of READ.LEARN.SUCCEED., a reading initiative that pairs trained community volunteers with 2nd and 3rd grade students in select school districts for either one-on-one reading sessions or letter exchanges throughout the school year (October – March).
“We originally launched READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. in partner schools during the 2012-13 school year,” said Janet Durden, President of United Way of Northeast Louisiana. “Thanks to the continued support of our community, we’ve expanded from 7 schools to now 18 schools in 6 districts in just 10 years.”
The READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. initiative was designed to help place area students on a good path toward school success by improving their reading skills, ultimately increasing their chances of graduating high school.
"We know that students who cannot read on grade level by the end of 3rd grade are four times less likely to graduate from high school,” said Michelle Saucer, Community Initiatives Director. “The goal of our READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. initiative is to practice and sharpen reading and writing skills and build positive connections with our 2nd and 3rd graders. We appreciate the commitment of our community volunteers to helping United Way ensure the success of our children and youth.”
United Way of Northeast Louisiana READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. offers opportunities for volunteers interested in helping area 2nd and 3rd graders improve their reading skills. If you are interested in helping our Northeast Louisiana children have a better quality of life, both now and into the future, visit unitedwaynela.org/volunteer, email volunteer@unitedwaynela.org, or dial 211.
Stay tuned for more READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. photos and updates on United Way NELA social media platforms.
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United Way of Northeast Louisiana works with volunteers, donors, and other organizations locally to create lasting community change in the areas of education, economic stability, and health. For more information about United Way of Northeast Louisiana, visit unitedwaynela.org, dial 211 on any landline or mobile phone, a free call 24/7, or text your zip code to 898-211.