Established in 1996 under the America Reads Initiative, DC Reads has worked to improve the historically low literacy rates in our nation’s capitol. The district-wide collaboration consists of several universities, their students, the DC Public School System, and a number of community-based organizations united under one goal of elementary school literacy. AU hosts an exceptionally skilled and dedicated arm of the program, featuring student tutors committed to reading education.

Led and staffed almost entirely by students, the AU chapter of DC Reads reaches hundreds of children per year through engaging and interactive instruction. The tutors – some 175 AU undergrads – volunteer their time and efforts for hours each week to better the lives of the area’s elementary school children. Our passionate teachers see daily improvements in their readers, knowing that the doors to literacy also lead to a brighter future for each child.

In Washington DC, almost 30% of third grade children do not pass standardized reading tests and 36% of adults live with the lowest testable level of literacy. If you are an AU student who wants to make a significant difference in someone’s life, look no further. On our site, you’ll find links to all the information you’ll need to get started in a program that will undoubtedly change you as much as the children you reach. Apply to teach with DC Reads today.

Apply to become a DC Reads Tutor today!