A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

The America Reads Challenge is a grassroots call to action by President Clinton. This unprecedented national campaign challenges every American to help all our children learn to read, including those with disabilities and limited English proficiency. The Challenge touches citizens from all walks of life and sparks collaborations between educators, parents, librarians, business people, senior citizens, college students, and community and religious groups.

The America Reads Challenge:

• Motivates parents as their child's first teacher to foster a love of reading at home.
• Recruits colleges to enlist students to tutor children in their work-study job.
• Encourages teachers to utilize best practices and professional development in reading.
• Mobilizes volunteers to give students extra help after school and during the summer.
• Engages businesses to involve employees and offer incentives to young readers.
• Unites communities to form strong partnerships to promote child literacy.

Americans are responding to the Challenge with tremendous enthusiasm. Activities include:

• 1000 colleges and universities have joined America Reads by directing Federal Work-Study students to tutor children in reading. Work-study tutors may also assist in family literacy programs nationwide.
• Thousands of America Reads tutors serve their communities through AmeriCorps, VISTA, National Senior Service Corps, and Learn & Serve America.
• Pediatricians along with volunteers in their offices are reading to children, advising parents on literacy and giving away free books to children as part of their check-ups.
• Hundreds of communities have come together to recruit volunteer reading partners, organize book drives and support schools in helping children learn to read.
• More than 250 organizations -- religious groups, businesses, schools, literacy groups, libraries, museums, media outlets, children's, parents' and teacher organizations -- have joined the President's Coalition for The America Reads Challenge.

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