Jewish Coalition for Literacy
Since 1999, Jewish Coalition for Literacy (JCL) participants from all over the community have experienced firsthand how reading can bring people together. Sponsored by the Community Relations department, more than 200 Literacy Volunteers work with inner-city students in Albany, Schenectady, and Troy in kindergarten through third grades on reading skill development. This program provides one-on-one committed Literacy Volunteers for one hour every week to address the increasing challenge of reading competence for the youngest students in inner-city schools. Literacy Volunteers serve as supportive role models demonstrating a love of reading and imprinting a positive attitude on their students.
Part of this initiative is the Books for Kids program that provides free books for students to read and share with their families. The goal is to help build self-confidence and a love of reading, while helping students bring their reading skills up to primary level.
Thank you to all our volunteers!
Coaches Comments
“The friendliness and enthusiasm these kids exude every week have made it a true pleasure for me as a Literacy volunteer. There is no doubt that I get as much, if not more, out of our weekly meetings as the children.”
–Eric D. Bieber, Literacy volunteer
“My students just love their literacy volunteers. They provide that one-on-one attention that as a classroom teacher, I cannot provide. My students benefit by getting extra practice with their reading skills so they can be more successful readers.”
–Susan Fowler, 2nd Grade Teacher, Delaware Community School, Albany
“I like teaching Jason new words, a love of reading, and giving him books to bring home to read with his parents.”
–Dona Wildove, Literacy volunteer