North Cook News

Alumni-Founded Nonprofit Accelerates Literacy Learning

Reading Power, Inc., an early literacy tutoring program working one-to-one with elementary school children in North Chicago, Waukegan, and Zion schools, was co-founded by National College of Education (NCE) alumna Mary Jane Hender, '03 Ed.D. Reading and Language. The current Director of Programs is also an NCE alumna, Kristin Fine, '96 M.Ed. Early Childhood Education. Reading Power is also led by CEO, Lisa Bulzoni, and Associate Director Viri Perez, both of whom are alumni of National Louis University (NLU). We are proud of our NCE alumni continuing to do great work in education! 

The organization was founded in 2003 and currently has a tutor base of over 240 volunteers. According to their website “the cornerstone of the program is helping to accelerate children’s literacy learning early, before they have a chance to fail.” 

Reading Power is modeled after Project Prevent, a program developed by National-Louis University, and it also incorporates facets of NLU’s Reading Recovery program. Over the years, Reading Power has modified its program to incorporate current research and best practices in teaching early literacy.

Kristin Fine had this to say about her involvement with Reading Power and inspiration from NLU, “My studies at NLU and my time as a teacher taught me that early literacy intervention is critical to children’s educational success, especially in underserved communities. That’s why I started tutoring with Reading Power over nine years ago and have stayed with the organization in various roles, including my current role as Director of Programs. Reading Power’s one-to-one high-dosage tutoring program is proven effective for students to reach grade level expectations in literacy. With the help of partners like NLU, we plan to expand into additional schools and communities in 2023, allowing us to reach even more students.” 

Currently, Reading Power Inc. is looking to expand its volunteer base to reach more students and provide critical one-to-one early literacy tutoring students in high needs schools. The non-profit is seeking volunteers to tutor pre kindergarten through second grade students this academic year. Tutors commit to once-a-week tutoring (2-3 hours) during the school year. No experience necessary; a love for children and reading is required; initial and on-going training is provided by reading professionals. 

Visit www.readingpowerinc.org or email Kristin Fine at Kristin.fine@readingpowerinc.org  to learn more and apply.

Original source can be found here