During the past five years, more than 6,400 children and teens across Duval County have grown their skills, confidence, and experience – all because of one partnership’s initial investment in an evidence-based model.
Since that time, the literacy and workforce-readiness growth achieved by youth and young adults involved in READ USA Literacy Tutoring, and the program’s demonstrated ROI, have inspired others to join the movement.
It all began in 2019 when READ USA was awarded funding from Kids Hope Alliance and the Mayor’s Youth at Work Partnership to pilot a tutoring model. The concept was new to Jacksonville: to help address the grade-level reading crisis, the model recruited local teens to provide one-to-one literacy tutoring to elementary students during the summer, supervised by certified teachers.
It was also during this time that our now-President & CEO Dr. Kelly was introduced to READ USA.
To evaluate the pilot’s performance following the summer of 2019, READ USA approached Dr. Kelly – who was then Assistant Professor of Education at Jacksonville University – to provide data analysis. Results showed significant improvement in reading skills not only in the elementary students, but also in the teens who tutored them. This inspired READ USA leadership and intrigued Dr. Kelly – and laid the foundation for READ USA’s Literacy Tutoring and Workforce Development programs that are succeeding today.
Due to sustained investment from Kids Hope Alliance, the Mayor’s Youth at Work Partnership and other key partners and supporters during the past five years, more than 1,700 teens and nearly 4,700 students have reaped life-improving benefits through their own hard work, guided and supported by READ USA along the way.
Together with our partners, READ USA programming is solving illiteracy in Duval County and equipping teens to succeed in the workforce through any pathway they choose.
“Their belief in what was possible from the beginning, and their ongoing investment in our students since that time, has made them an invaluable partner to not only READ USA, but to every child and teen in our community who has benefitted from tutoring and the ability to work,” reflected our Board Chair Ellen Wiss.
Read the full story in our 2024 Impact Report:
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Three Cheers for a READ USA Tutor!
Team READ USA extends a special congratulations to one of our fantastic teen tutors who recently was awarded a scholarship from Duval County Public Schools (DCPS)!
Photo credit: Duval County Public Schools. Luciano is the fourth student (all holding certificates) from the left.
Luciano, who has been a READ USA tutor since 2023 and just recently graduated from Wolfson High School, was one of five local seniors who were awarded $10,000 scholarships from the DCPS Nutrition Program in partnership with Thompson Hospitality and Chartwells K12.
“Luciano’s growth in work readiness and professionalism and the impact he has had on his students has been incredible to witness,” shared Tabetha Cox, READ USA Chief Programs Officer. “His READ USA teachers have seen a lot of growth in him and seen him really excel in his experience through Literacy Tutoring.”
For the past two years, Luciano has tutored at Beauclerc Elementary and helped numerous students demonstrably improve their reading skills.
Luciano is pictured with one of his students, who recently won our bike giveaway! Read more about that here.
“He was really an engaging tutor with the students, very present in the moment, and he built a great rapport with his students,” added Tabetha, reflecting on feedback she has received from his teachers. “He seemed to love what he was doing, and his commitment only grew since the beginning. He became a site leader of sorts at Beauclerc, taking on more responsibilities and helping new tutors when they come on board.”
Now an eager and forward-looking high-school graduate, Luciano will now be pursuing the field of culinary arts, with support from this scholarship.
“We are so excited for what the future holds for Luciano – and for all of our READ USA tutors who recently graduated!” said Tabetha.
Congratulations to Luciano for earning this scholarship and demonstrating such a strong commitment to his students in READ USA Literacy Tutoring! We are so grateful for and inspired by our teen tutors and all that they accomplish!
Mark Your Calendars: Free Books on the Horizon!
READ USA will be joining multiple partners this month at locations across Duval County to do one of our most favorite things: giving out free books to eager-to-read students!
Historic Eastside Back-2-School Community Event in August 2023.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events and come visit our READ USA table:
Saturday, June 7: Be My Neighbor Day
10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
WJCT Studios (100 Festival Park Avenue, across from EverBank Stadium)
More information here.
Saturday, June 14: Melanin Market Juneteenth Celebration
3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
822 A. Philip Randolph Blvd.
More information here.
Thursday, June 26: The Bad Guys Library Takeover with River City Readers!
1:00 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Pablo Creek Regional Library (13295 Beach Blvd.)
More information here.
We look forward to seeing you this month! Also, stay tuned: back-to-school events are already being planned for August, and we will share those in the coming weeks!
Children’s Book: The Star-Spangled Banner by Peter Spier
Illustrated by Peter Spier
The Star-Spangled Banner by Peter Spier is a beautifully illustrated picture book that reimagines the United States’ national anthem through the eyes of young readers. First published in 1973 and later re-released in 2014, The Star-Spangled Banner does more than present the anthem—it immerses children in the history and spirit behind the words, weaving together engaging imagery, educational commentary, and historical insight related to the War of 1812 and the pivotal Battle of Baltimore.
Spier’s book includes the first, second, and fourth verses of Francis Scott Key’s iconic poem, brought to life through detailed watercolor artwork. Each verse is carefully paired with an illustration that reflects the events described, ranging from dramatic depictions that move clearly and intensely to battlefield scenes reflecting modern-day America, highlighting familiar landmarks, cityscapes, and elements of everyday life.
Peter Spier’s illustration style shines throughout the book, celebrated for its intricate detail and historical accuracy. One of the remarkable features is the extensive visual collection of over 100 American flags, spanning various periods of our nation’s history. These are thoughtfully presented on the endpapers and woven throughout the book’s pages, offering a visual timeline of the evolution of American identity.
The timeline connects past and present, helping young readers see how history continues to shape America today.
Submitted by Judy Howard, M.Ed.
Parent Education Corner: Avoiding the “Summer Slide”
What is “summer slide?” This term is often used when referring to the loss of new skills students gained during the previous academic school year.
Through various studies, Mayo Clinic determined that, on average, research shows students lose two months of reading skills and nearly three months of math skills during summer break. That means they have to relearn those skills before they can move on to new material in the next school year. However, there are ways to help children avoid the “summer slide” in an easy and fun way through daily activities during the summer months!
Here are some ideas that can help children retain skills during the summer break:
At the grocery store, have your child:
- Read signs throughout the store.
- Weigh produce.
- Use a calculator to add up the grocery bill as you go.
- Compare multiple items/sizes/quantities to determine the best deal.
- Count the number of items in the cart.
In the kitchen, use cooking and baking for your kids to practice numbers and math:
- Measure the size of the pan needed.
- Read recipes out loud.
- Measure both dry and liquid ingredients.
- Count the number of ingredients.
- Cut fruits and vegetables into specific sizes, such as 1/2 of an apple or 1/4 of a banana.
- Read about healthy eating at sites like MyPlate.
- Calculate nutrient intake, such as calories or protein.
Car Activities
- Sing songs.
- Practice spelling by doing a spelling bee.
- Build fluency with math facts by counting by twos or multiplication tables.
- Spot objects that begin with each letter of the alphabet.
- Read road signs and billboards out loud.
- Practice directional prompts with turn left or turn south.
- Turn off the verbal prompts on a map app and read directions out loud.
- Listen to kid-oriented podcasts on topics like science, space, mysteries, or any topic of interest.
Submitted by Judy Howard, M.Ed.
Do you have any questions or ideas for the Parent Education Corner? Anything you’d like to learn? Let us know here!