top of page
"Read to Grow volunteers help students reach grade level and above."
— Dr. Essie Sims
Research consistently shows that children who participate in positive after-school activities, mentorship programs, sports, arts, and educational enrichment are more likely to succeed academically, stay engaged in school, and avoid risky behaviors. When a community invests in its children, it invests in a stronger future. Let's help our own children learn, grow, and thrive.
We know children who can read are less likely to commit crimes.
Data from Sumter County Board of Education, March 11, 2024.
Close to half of our kindergarteners start school with no reading skills. Teachers and students are behind before school begins."
— Dr. Essie Sims
Available Programs
Read to GrowMultiple DatesJul 02, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PMLake Blackshear Regional Library, 307 E Lamar St, Americus, GA 31709, USA
ESL Classes Returning Fall 2026Date and time is TBD408 S Lee St, 408 S Lee St, Americus, GA 31709, USA
Want to Improve Life and Literacy in Sumter County?
Become a Volunteer.
Volunteers help children reach reading grade level.
Dr. Essie Sims, a retired early-education instructor at SGTC, and Trokney Sims, a middle school teacher, coach volunteers to help K through 12 students learn to read.
bottom of page