Want to Improve Life and Literacy in Sumter County?
Become a Read to Grow Volunteer.
Half of our 7th graders read at a 4th grade level or lower. About half of our 8th graders read at a 5th grade level or lower.
FACT
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
"Read to Grow volunteers help students reach grade level and above."
— Dr. Essie Sims
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.
Sessions are less than 30 minutes.
A small commitment from you. A lifetime difference for a child.