STAIR's mission is to improve the reading skills and self-esteem of lower elementary school students.

Description:
STAIR is a volunteer-based non-profit organization that tutors public school second grade students in reading. The students are identified by their teachers as needing help in reading. STAIR, as a community outreach program, works directly with Orleans, Jefferson and Plaquemines Parish public schools in an effort to achieve their goal of every child reading by the end of the second grade. In the 2004/2005 school year, more than 500 volunteers tutored 375 students from thirty-three public elementary schools. STAIR reopened soon after Katrina in January, 2006. During the 2007-2008 school year STAIR operated 23 tutoring sites with approximately 300 volunteers serving 27 elementary schools in the metropolitan area.

History:
In 1985 STAIR (Start The Adventure In Reading) was established by a community group formed to address problems within the urban setting. Education was the primary area of interest. The group developed a program to tutor students in basic reading and language skills. Six individuals volunteered to work with six children during the initial summer program. The objectives of the program, outlined in a mission statement dated the spring of 1985, were: 'to equip children with skills for reading, learning and optimal development, and to provide volunteers a positive, rewarding experience, adding to the richness of their lives and fulfilling a responsibility to care for others.' So, from the outset, the STAIR program has been a practical approach to basic educational skills with a vital emphasis on the volunteer's compassion and contribution.

Following the success of that summer session, a site was organized in the Uptown area, offering 20 public school second graders a position in a program which would run throughout the school year. These children were paired one-on-one with a volunteer tutor. At the completion of the school year, STAIR enjoyed an enthusiastic response from students, parents, teachers and volunteers. A Westbank site was added in the fall of 1986. The next year the original site doubled its enrollment, offering tutoring four days a week. A site was opened in Jefferson parish in 1988. Early in 1991, STAIR incorporated as a non-profit organization. With a strengthened organizational base, the program experienced continual growth and expansion. During the 2005/2006 school year STAIR celebrated its twentieth year as a volunteer-based reading program for New Orleans area children.

Contact people:

Sara Woodard, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Elizabeth Artigues, Volunteer Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (504) 895-2668

Address:

1545 State Street New Orleans, LA 70118 (See a map)

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

Directions:

STAIR administrative offices are located on the second floor of St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church at the corner of State Street and St. Charles Avenue.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: St. Charles Ave,   Walk distance (in minutes): 1