Read to a Child

Read to a Child was founded on the belief that every child deserves to be read to regularly by a caring adult. Our approach is based on the premise that a lifelong love of reading is a driver of opportunity for children throughout their lifetime. A caring connection with a reading mentor helps to facilitate the attention, engagement, and confidence that all children need to thrive. That’s why Read to a Child partners with thousands of community and corporate volunteers from more than 150 socially-minded businesses and organizations who read one-on-one to elementary students at under-resourced schools in the greater metropolitan areas of Boston, Detroit, Hartford, and Los Angeles.

In Read to a Child’s Read Aloud Mentoring Program, an adult is partnered one-on-one with a student attending one of our partner elementary schools for a rewarding, weekly read aloud experience either in person at the child's school, or virtually via Zoom. The relationship lasts for the entire school year and often extends for multiple years until the child graduates the program at the end of fourth grade. Reading pairs are supported by an on-site Program Coordinator, employed by Read to a Child, and are provided access to a wide selection of appropriate books to read. The simple act of reading aloud to a child once a week, over time, can have a profound impact on the child’s future. The Read Aloud Mentoring Program also offers the adult a convenient, joyful, and meaningful way to give back.