Volunteers needed for United Way of Central Indiana’s ReadUP program

INDIANAPOLIS – United Way of Central Indiana is looking for volunteers for its ReadUP program, an initiative that sends volunteers into elementary schools across the region to read with third graders who are behind on their reading skills.  

Registration opened Tuesday for those interested in volunteering for the coming school year.  

During the 2021-2022 school year, more than 270 volunteers worked with over 250 students at 23 schools in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion and Morgan counties. This year, the program is expanding into Putnam County and will be offered at Tzouanakis Intermediate School.  

United Way is looking to recruit 500 volunteers – double the number it had last year.  

More than 800 volunteers participated in ReadUP during the 2019-2020 school year, reaching over 600 students. As the community continues to rebound from the coronavirus pandemic, United Way is working to rebuild its volunteer base for the program, said Tony Hart, volunteer and community engagement associate for United Way.  

The need for the program remains high: While some ReadUP students were up to 12 months behind on their reading before the pandemic, some are now up to 24 months behind, he said. 

“We’re hoping that’s something we can start to curb,” Hart said. 

ReadUP has helped students get on track with grade-level literacy for 15 years. The program targets children in third grade, when students shift from learning to read to reading to learn. Reading comprehension at that age can serve as a predictor for a student’s future educational success, Hart said.  

At the start of the 2021-2022 school year, about 87% of ReadUP students for whom complete data was available were reading below grade level. At the end of the year, 24% were reading at or above grade level, and 60% had grown four or more reading levels, which is roughly the equivalent of one grade level, according to United Way data.   

“We help to be a bridge, not only for the schools, but for the community,” Hart said. “We care about this initiative. We want our students to be able to succeed.”  

During the school year, volunteers spend one hour a week reading with two students. Some volunteers choose to join the program with a partner, splitting the time commitment and participating every other week.  

Volunteers must complete a background check and a one-hour training session. In-person and virtual training options will be available throughout August.  

To learn more or sign up, visit uwci.org/readup.