Wright to Read is an educational program which promotes literacy through tutoring and mentoring of elementary school students and outreach to the Alexandria community.

Description:
Wright to Read was established in 1979 by the Frank and Betty Wright Foundation. Wright to Read serves between 60-100 students each year through three programs: Book Buddies, Reach Out and Read, and Tutor/Mentors.

BOOK BUDDIES is an after-school reading program held at William Ramsay Elementary on Tuesdays and at Jefferson-Houston Elementary on Wednesdays.Volunteers work one-on-one with a 1st through 5th grade child from 3:45p.m.–5p.m. in the school library. Book Buddies read to one another, do writing activities and play language/reading games.Wright To Read staff is on site to provide on-going support and guidance. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.

TUTOR/MENTORS work one-on-one with a 1st through 3rd grade child, referred to the program by Alexandria City Public School teachers.These are children who are reading below their ability level but have the potential to improve.Tutors meet with their child once a week, in the evening or on the weekend for an hour, in the child’s home or local library.Several Saturday field trips are offered to students and their tutors throughout the school year, including trips to the bookstore, plays, museums and local restaurants for breakfast.Volunteers will work closely with the child’s classroom teacher.Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age.

REACH OUT AND READ (ROR) is a national pediatric literacy program that encourages parents to read to their children at an early age.Wright To Read partnered with the Alexandria Health Department to offer this program to the community.Volunteers read out loud to children in the clinic as they wait for their well-check appointments.Physicians distribute new books to children ages 6 months to 5 years and offer reading tips to parents.Through ROR, every child begins kindergarten with a home library of at least ten children’s books.Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.

Contact people:

Heather Miles, Assistant Director, (phone), (email) Leigh Hoyer, Program Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (703) 549-2097

Address:

418 South Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22060 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.thecampagnacenter.org

Directions:

Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: King Street Metro,   Walk distance (in minutes): 20   Nearest Bus Stop: AT8, 4 minute walk