Reading STARS: Intergenerational Tutoring Program at the Library

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2020

Reading STARS (Students and Tutors Achieving Reading Success) connects older adults and elementary school students (Kindergarten – Grade 3) for free, intergenerational, one-on-one and small group tutoring. LA County Library partners with the LA County Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services initiative, Purposeful Aging Los Angeles, to identify older adults in local communities, and works with local elementary schools to identify students who are not reading at grade level. Select locations also offer internships to young adults, who serve as Reading/Tech Buddies, assisting volunteer tutors. Reading STARS is free to program participants, and focuses on prevention, reducing the financial barrier of private tutoring, and providing older adults with meaningful engagement. Volunteer Tutors are age 50 or older, have a high school diploma or above, and commit to tutoring students throughout the school year. Tutors are trained by Library staff and provided access to materials from Learning A-Z, a highly regarded and established curriculum used in schools nationwide. Students can connect with their tutors to improve their reading proficiency levels and enhance their learning, emotional, and social skills. Additionally, tutors are provided access and training in Library resources such as databases and online courses to further develop their personal and professional aspirations.