UW-Green Bay Announces New Literacy Initiative

In a continued effort to meet regional needs and address community challenges, UW-Green Bay has announced  the UW-Green Bay Literacy Initiative. The new reading-focused program will provide much needed hours of volunteer reading time to area first-through-third-graders, in an intentional effort to boost literacy rates across the region.

Working with several school districts and other community organizations, UW-Green Bay identified specific ongoing volunteer reading opportunities across the region. The Howard-Suamico, Pulaski Community, and Sheboygan Area School Districts, as well as the McKinley Academy Virtual School in Manitowoc, are the first to sign on to be a part of the reading initiative. In addition to identifying volunteer opportunities, the University created a free-to-all online prep course for interested volunteers.

“This is the first of many steps that we as a university need to take to improve the literacy rates in our region,” said University of Wisconsin – Green Bay Chancellor, Michael Alexander.

In addition to the schools already on board, volunteer readers will be encouraged to reach out to their local schools, libraries or other organizations to uncover more opportunities to read to students.

Volunteers should expect each organization will have its own procedures to follow, including asking for information to conduct required background checks. 

Studies show that literacy is a key factor in academic success, social mobility and economic wellbeing. UW-Green Bay’s Literacy Initiative not only demonstrates a commitment to the community, but also helps to ensure a more equitable future for all children by helping them have the confidence to read.