Did you know that only 54% of 3rd grade students in Santa Clara County meet the state target for reading at grade level by the end of 3rd grade? That means almost half of our 3rd graders need reading support. This is a critical turning point where children shift from learning to read to reading to learn. Starting in 4th grade, students use reading as a tool in every subject. This includes word problems in math, assignments in science and history, and more.
You can make a difference. Santa Clara County Library District is seeking volunteers ages 14 and older for Read to Lead. It is a new initiative providing high-impact tutoring. It will be available for early elementary school (ex: 2nd-3rd grade) students at Gilroy Library and Morgan Hill Library. Two afternoons each week can change a student’s path and put them on the road to reading success.
The library will provide training. What else is required?
- Three hours of your time each week at either Gilroy Library or Morgan Hill Library
- Gilroy Library: 3:45 – 5:15 pm Tuesdays & Thursdays
- Morgan Hill Library: 3:45 – 5:15 pm Mondays & Thursdays
- Commitment of October 5 - December 18, 2026
- Your own transportation to the library
- Ability to use a laptop computer
- A background check for volunteers ages 18+
- A positive attitude and excitement for the impact you’ll create
- Experience working with children and Spanish language skills are desirable
Will you join us? Fill out our application, or forward it to a friend or family member who you know can help.
Read to Lead will launch this October, with training dates in September.
