Want to Improve Life and Literacy in Sumter County?
FACT
Half of our 7th graders read at 4th grade or lower grade level and about half of our 8th graders read at 5th grade or below grade level.
We know children who can read are less likely to commit crimes.
Please Step Up and Consider Becoming a Volunteer with Read to Grow
Beginning April 2 and every Thursday night going forward 5–7 p.m. Lake Blackshear Regional
Public Library Volunteer when you can
GOAL
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 to read.
“Close to half of our kindergarteners start school with no reading skills. Teachers and students are behind before school begins,” Dr. Sims said. “Read to Grow volunteers help students reach grade level and above.”
SESSIONS LESS THAN 30 MINUTES. (data from Sumter County Board of Education March 11,
2024)