During National Reading Month, we’re joining partner organizations to spotlight local literacy programs and encourage involvement.

“Reading is a doorway to lifelong learning and success,” said Michael Larson, President and Chief Executive Officer of UWBCKR. “Many terrific community efforts, from preschool through adulthood, are opening that door for people across our region.”

The need for such programs is tremendous, Larson said. According to a 2013 report by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Institute of Literacy, 14 percent of the U.S. adult population—that’s 32 million people—cannot read. In addition, the report noted 19 percent of American high school students can’t read. The National Assessment of Educational Progress placed Michigan 40th in the nation in fourth-grade reading literacy—especially disturbing when, according to the American Educational Research Association, students who don’t learn to read well are four times more likely to drop out of school.

Larson noted some of the programs and events that United Way is involved in as a partner, mobilizer or funder. “As a champion for education, United Way actively partners on efforts to improve literacy skills while offering ways for volunteers to get involved,” Larson said.

Reading Month Activities

Read ‘n’ Give Book Drive: HandsOn Battle Creek, a volunteer engagement arm of United Way, is sponsoring a month-long book drive. Donated new and used books will go to the Battle Creek Community Literacy Collaborative for redistribution throughout the greater Battle Creek area. The goal is to collect 8,000 books. Donations can be dropped off at the HOBC office, 34 Jackson St. W., in downtown Battle Creek. For details and contact information go to www.handsonbc.org.

Kalamazoo SCRABBLE® Fest: The 4th Annual Kalamazoo SCRABBLE® Fest, sponsored by the Kalamazoo Literacy Council, will take place March 29, noon-4:30 p.m., at the Northside Association for Community Development, 612 N. Park St. The event will help raise awareness and funds to strengthen and expand the adult literacy services of the Kalamazoo Literacy Council. United Way has provided grants to support the organization’s efforts to enhance adult literacy. Volunteer tutors are essential to KLC’s work, and training is available. To find out more about SCRABBLE® Fest and volunteer opportunities, visit www.kalamazooliteracy.org. 

March is Reading Month Celebration: The Battle Creek Community Literacy Collaborative, a United Way partner, is having a March is Reading Month Celebration on Friday, March 28, 4:30-7 p.m. at the Battle Creek YMCA, 182 Capital Ave. NE. The event is open to the public and will include story-telling, free books, games and activities for children, along with free pictures with mascot Little Critter. The CLC addresses literacy needs for people of all ages. Volunteers are needed as reading buddies and tutors. Details are available at www.battlecreekliteracy.org.

Local library activities: The heart of a community that reads is the local library, and these institutions across the region are focusing on National Reading Month—from a Spring Reading Adventure in Portage to StoryHour in Galesburg. As a strong proponent of literacy, United Way encourages area residents to find out what’s happening in March at their local libraries:

•Comstock Township Library, www.comstocklibrary.org 

•Galesburg Memorial Library, www.galesburg.michlibrary.org 

•Kalamazoo Public Library, www.kpl.gov 

•Parchment Community Library, www.parchmentlibrary.org 

•Portage District Library, www.portagelibrary.info 

•Willard Library, www.willard.lib.mi.us 

Ongoing Literacy Efforts

Early Grade Reading Achievement Project: This initiative, led by United Way, began in 2011 at Verona Elementary School in Battle Creek. At the time, only 5 percent of Verona kindergarteners tested proficient in early reading skills. Through the use of volunteer reading buddies, family engagement and special events, that number improved to 71 percent in a single year, then to 81 percent in 2013. Since then, the project has expanded to Battle Creek’s Coburn Elementary, and a similar program is now in place at Galesburg-Augusta Primary School, where kindergartners reading at or above the reading level benchmark has increased 27 percent. To volunteer for any of these programs, contact Maureen Slamer at slamerm@calhounisd.org or Jessica Hackworth at hackworj@calhounisd.org.

Kalamazoo County Ready 4s: This community-designed organization, an initiative of the Interfaith Strategy for Advocacy and Action in the Community (ISAAC) and the Learning Network, and funded in part by United Way, focuses on providing fully accessible, high quality pre-kindergarten for every four-year-old in Kalamazoo County so that every child can begin kindergarten ready to succeed. Reading preparation is a key element because literacy is essential to learning. KC Ready 4s is rooted in evidence that high-quality early education and care produces life-changing outcomes for children, savings for their communities and long-term economic development. Find out more at www.kcready4s.org.

United4Change: This is a regional, business-led partnership of companies, educators, nonprofits and volunteers focused on specific efforts that support and inspire students to achieve more, especially in early grade reading and career mentoring. The partnership, which includes United Way, was launched in 2012 and involves nearly two dozen local businesses, intermediate school districts and nonprofit organizations. Many volunteers involved through U4C are reading buddies for young students throughout the region. To learn more or to volunteer, visit the website at www.united-4-change.com. 

The Learning Network of Greater Kalamazoo. More than 30 private, public and nonprofit entities make up the Learning Network, which creates and sustains a culture of learning at home, in school, at work and throughout the community. The Learning Network relies on volunteer Action Networks addressing kindergarten readiness, college and career readiness, and adult learning. Literacy achievement is a key element of this effort, which is funded in part by United Way. To get involved, go to www.thelearningnetwork.org. 

Community reading programs. Battle Creek Reads, sponsored by Willard Library, and Reading Together, sponsored by the Kalamazoo Public Library, are community-wide book clubs in which participants read the same books and gather to discuss themes and impressions. Both programs hold special events, including author visits and social gatherings. For 2014, Battle Creek Reads participants are reading The Leisure Seeker by Michael Zadoorian, and An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff. Reading Together participants are reading The American Way of Eating by Tracie McMillan, and Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer by Novella Carpenter. Find out more at www.battlecreekreads.org and www.kpl.gov/reading-together/2014.