The United Way of Central Florida’s ReadingPals program is looking for volunteers to read with children for one hour a week during the 2024-25 school year.
“ReadingPals pairs volunteers with students in kindergarten to foster a love for reading and improve literacy skills,” said Katherine Fitzwater, vice president of marketing and communications for UWCF. “This volunteer opportunity not only helps children develop crucial reading skills but also creates meaningful connections with a consistent adult who is not a teacher or parent.”
Why it matters: Scores on state reading tests range from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest and 3 considered grade level. Anything below that is failing. In Polk County, 57% of third graders — the first year the test is given — failed the reading test last year. Statewide, half of third graders failed the test.
Program’s history: The late Carol Jenkins Barnett started the ReadingPals program in Polk County and it has spread to 15 other United Ways in Florida.
Her son, Wesley Barnett, is a volunteer.
“Volunteering with ReadingPals has been truly rewarding for me. Not only do you get to personally impact the educational journeys of kindergarten children, it has provided me with a profound sense of fulfillment,” Barnett said Monday.
“I would recommend anyone with a heart for kids try out this unique volunteer opportunity.”
Wesley Barnett, philanthropist and reading pals volunteer
Requirements: ReadingPals are asked to volunteer for one hour a week. They provide two 30-minute, back-to-back tutoring sessions weekly under the supervision of classroom teachers or program trainers. Teaching experience is not required.
The ReadingPals program helps 5- and 6-year-old students establish a foundation for reading by improving:
- Vocabulary.
- Listening skills.
- Comprehension.
- Visual and auditory memory.
Background check: Polk County Public Schools requires all volunteers to fill out an application and undergo a level 2 criminal background check. There is a non-refundable fee for the required criminal background screening. However, an “approved” status is good for five years. The state has made some changes this year and the cost of the screening is currently uncertain.
The United Way of Central Florida reserves the right to accept or deny applicants to any affiliated volunteer program. Those convicted of violent or sexual crimes of any kind or criminal driving offenses will not be approved.
Supportive employers: Every week during the school year, several department heads and other top administrators at Lakeland’s City Hall dip out of the office for an hour to read with youngsters. It’s part of the city government’s commitment to volunteerism.
Fitzwater said several local businesses, including the Bank of Central Florida and CPS Investment Advisors, also allow employees to volunteer during the work week.
By the numbers: ReadingPals currently has 109 volunteers, but it needs 143 more to be fully staffed. Fifteen school sites will be served throughout Polk County.
Many Lakeland-area elementary schools need volunteers:
- Crystal Lake — needs 8 (has 4/12)
- Dixieland — is fully staffed
- Highland City — needs 2 (has 10/12)
- Jesse Keen — needs 10 (has 10/20)
- Mi Escuela Montessori — needs 10 (has 6/16)
- Padgett — needs 4 (has 12/16)
- Philip O’Brien — needs 13 (has 7/20)
Other elementary schools in the county also need volunteers:
- Alta Vista in Haines City — needs 19 (has 5/24)
- Boswell in Auburndale — needs 18 (has 2/20)
- Lake Shipp in Winter Haven — needs 14 (has 6/20)
- Lewis Anna Woodbury in Fort Meade — needs 15 (has 5/20)
- Polk Avenue Elementary in Lake Wales — needs 6 (has 14/20)
- Purcell in Mulberry — needs 5 (has 7/12)
- Stephens in Bartow — needs 5 (has 7/12)
- Willow Oaks in Mulberry — needs 10 (has 6/16)
latest news
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
