What We Do
Children’s Literacy Project improves the literacy skills of children from low-income households by training and supporting volunteer tutors who provide free, long-term, one-to-one instruction using research-based methodology.
We envision a community where all children can read, write, and spell - essential building blocks for future academic success - thereby improving a wide range of health and social outcomes among a population regarded as vulnerable and at-risk.
The stats are sobering
Two-thirds of Triangle public school fourth-graders (more than 60% in NC) score below proficient in reading. That number is 75% among children of color. 85% of children involved in the juvenile criminal justice system have a reading deficiency. Nearly 75% of deficient readers in 3rd grade are still deficient by 9th grade.
Data indicates that children who are not proficient in reading by third grade are at disproportionate risk of subsequently dropping out of school. As adults, they are more likely to be unemployed or employed in low-paying jobs. Our audacious vision is to break the cycle of generational poverty and mitigate a range of negative outcomes correlated with school failure, including higher rates of incarceration and poor health, by providing vulnerable students the tools they need to be successful.
30 Years
Nearly 30 years of experience meeting the tutoring needs of Triangle-area students struggling to read and write has prepared us for the unique challenges present today. Our successful model has been replicated throughout the Carolinas.
The good news
90% of poor readers increase their reading ability to age-appropriate, average skill level with Children’s Literacy Project’s intensive, early intervention services.
Demographics
Children’s Literacy Project predominantly serves elementary school-aged children: 45% Black, 40% Latinx, 10% white, 3% two or more races, and 2% Asian. 75% identify as boys; 25% as girls. All of our students come from low-income households (100% are from families living below federal poverty guidelines) and are behind grade level in reading.
Participation
At present, we have trained approximately 160 volunteers who are currently serving 160 students in grades K-5.
Our Training Collaborations Include:
Forestview Elementary
Spring Valley Elementary
Ephesus Elementary School
Ignite! Online Academy (tutoring DPS students remotely)
Kate’s Korner Childcare
Center in downtown Durham (in-person)
Kestrel Heights Charter School
Seawell Elementary in Chapel Hill
E.K. Powe
In addition, CLP trains and supervises tutors from the Durham Academy High School program who then provide tutoring at: Lakewood Elementary and Hope Valley Elementary
High School Program
In addition to our traditional adult one-to-one tutoring programming, Children’s Literacy Project operates programs through a partnership with two local high schools - Durham Academy and Trinity High School of Durham and Chapel Hill, with plans to expand!
Participating high school students receive the same rigorous training and have the same high expectations as our adult volunteer tutors. Students apply to participate as juniors and those selected are expected to participate as seniors for the entirety of the school term. Upon completion of the program, tutors receive P/F course credit, as well as a certificate of participation that many include with college admission applications, etc.
Children’s Literacy Project staff provides pre-service training, continuing education, ongoing informal consultation and support, on-site supervision, and evaluation.
Due to the longstanding success of the program, we are committed to expanding the program as we see tremendous benefit - not only to the elementary school students receiving services but to the high school tutors, as well, who learn through this experience, perhaps for the first time, the impact they can have in the life of a young child. Contact us to learn more
