YMCA READS! is an after-school reading assistance and mentoring program at Perkins, Jamerson, and Sawgrass Lake Elementary Schools in St. Petersburg, providing opportunities for at-risk and low-income children in Kindergarten through third-grade develop the reading skills they need to succeed in school. Volunteer mentors will work in a small-group environment and will be given continuous support by a full-time program coordinator.

WHO can volunteer? Anyone 16 years or older! No prior teaching or tutoring experience is necessary, just a passion to help children and give back to the St. Petersburg community. A full FREE training and all materials will be provided for you.

WHEN can I volunteer? As little as an hour a week will make a huge difference in a child’s life. Choose one or more hour-long sessions per week that work best for you (Monday-Thursday with sessions from 2:50-3:50 pm and 4:00-5:00 pm each day).

WHERE do I volunteer?
Perkins Elementary (2205 18th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712)
Jamerson Elementary (1200 37th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711)
Sawgrass Lake Elementary (1815 77th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702)

WHY should I volunteer? You are giving a child the keys to a brighter future! Students not reading on grade level by 3rd-grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school or fail to graduate on time than their more proficient peers. By taking measures of early intervention, you are helping a child to succeed in school and life!