General

How much does it cost?

Our Literacy Mentoring is offered on a sliding scale ranging from $5 - $65 per session. Programming offered at school and community partners is free and covered by grants.

Where do you work?

Our office is at 2509 Portland Avenue and we have a satellite office in Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in the Shawnee neighborhood.

How do you know structured literacy works?

A Diagnostic Decoding Survey allows us to determine if students struggle with decoding, and when they do, to pinpoint specific decoding weaknesses. This is the first step to successful intervention. Both systems are research and evidence-based, proven to improve reading fluency and text comprehension.

Can I volunteer?

Yes! We have Board of Director, Committee (Events, Fundraising, etc.), administrative, and community event volunteer opportunities available. All of our Literacy Mentors are trained, paid staff and we do not accept volunteer mentors. Let us know your interest here.

Caregivers & Parents

How do I enroll my child?

You can enroll here.

What type of curriculum do you use?

We utilize a combination of Orton Gillingham & Wilson's influenced systems. Both systems provide a structured language approach to teaching reading that is multi-sensory, direct, explicit, structured, and sequential.

How do you know structure literacy works?

A combination of screenings and Diagnostic Decoding Surveys allow us to determine if students struggle with decoding, and when they do, to pinpoint specific decoding weaknesses. This is the first step to successful intervention. Both systems are research and evidence-based, proven to improve reading fluency and text comprehension.

How long until my child learns to read at grade level?

We meet each child where they are, determine what decoding skills they need, and build a strong foundation for decoding. Most students make significant gains once they have the skills and confidence necessary to decode, but each child has a unique starting point and learning pace.

How long are students generally in the program?

Students are in our program for as long as they need to gain the foundational decoding skills necessary.

Potential Partners & Collaborations

How can I bring DP to my school or organization?

Email us at [email protected] for more information on how to partner with your school or organization.

Donors & Champions

How can I support your work?

You can make a single gift here. Our programs are accessible due to our sliding fee scale. Most participants pay very little or nothing at all. And our waitlist is long. Our dream is to match any student who struggles to read with a Literacy Mentor prepared to help.

Why become a Monthly Sustainer?

Monthly sustainers provide a steady source of income—unlike grants or one-time gifts—that allows us to plan ahead. When you sign up to give monthly, we spend less time chasing dollars and more time teaching kids to read! Sign up to become a Monthly Sustainer today!

Literacy Mentors

What type of training do Literacy Mentors receive?

Our Literacy Mentors are paid staff and predominantly college students of color from local Universities.  They are trained not only in structured literacy, but also receive anti-racist and anti-bias training, healing-centered care and resiliency-building techniques, and child abuse prevention, awareness, and reporting requirements.

By recruiting future educators and community leaders to work as Literacy Mentors, we are creating a more equitable future in education. 

How do I apply to become a Literacy Mentor?

You can apply to become a Literacy Mentor here.