- 45-60 minute lessons
- Pre and post assessment
- Goals and outcomes meetings
- Free for all participants
Reading and Literacy: Rochester Reading Champions
About Rochester Reading Champions
Rochester Reading Champions (RRC) started in 2014. This free, structured literacy program matches highly trained volunteers with youth and adults in our community who face financial challenges and struggle to read and write.
By collaborating with community partners, we meet with students at locations they already frequent and reduce barriers such as transportation and cost.
Our program uses a structured literacy, multisensory approach to help those who struggle with reading. Each lesson is created to address the specific needs of the learner. This approach supports emerging readers in reaching their goals.
2024 Data
- 32 active tutors
- 57 students served
- 1,691 free lessons
Cumulative Data
- 11,370 free lessons
- 32,666 volunteer hours
RRC tutors are dedicated community volunteers. They complete specialized training and receive ongoing support and education.
Volunteer Specialized Reading Tutor
Mission: Rochester Reading Champions aspires to bridge the literacy gap and unlock potential.
Purpose: Volunteers who have a strong interest in literacy have a unique opportunity to serve our community by working one-on-one with at risk readers using research based multi-sensory tutoring approaches.
Requirements:
- Commitment to literacy for all in a diverse setting
- Successful completion of Orton-Gillingham training and willingness to implement this structured literacy approach with fidelity while tutoring
- Orton Gillingham Online Academy (~40 hours, online and in-person hybrid)
- The Reading Center (~120 hours, online and in person hybrid)
- Enthusiasm for our mission and clientele; ability to engage with others and exhibit patience
- Submit application and pass a background check
- Commitment to tutor for a minimum of 2 years after training is complete
- Electronically track volunteer hours monthly
- Accept our most sincere gratitude
Your Next Steps:
- Request a Reading Champions volunteer application
- Attend an informational introductory session (virtually or in person)
- Participate in and successfully complete Level One/Basic Orton-Gillingham training (Orton Gillingham Online Academy or The Reading Center – see above)
Ongoing Commitment:
- Meet with your student for 45 to 60 minutes twice per week
- Prepare lesson plans
- Electronically track student progress, instruction hours, prep time by the end of each month
- Participate in ongoing training and support opportunities
The Tutor
"It has been very rewarding to work with her, and my student is so proud of how well she can read now.”
The Student
“I really like this program because it has helped me a lot! When I was in 1st grade, I never got my spelling words right. I always used to have to read little kid books. I didn’t feel good about it and sometimes other kids made fun of me. Now I read books all the time! I’m happy and my mom is happy because I’m doing so much better at school. I can write letters and stories. I can understand story problems and my homework.” Recent retesting of this third grader found her reading words at a 5.9 grade level!
The Parent
“RRC has helped my daughter and continues to do so in so many ways. She is more confident in her capability to do anything and everything. She is happier now, because she is no longer teased about not being able to read. The program has helped her excel, in not just reading, but in every subject.”
Fill out our Contact Form or email read@rplmn.org.
Contact Us
Open Hours
Monday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.