Finding Solutions: Rise Augusta changes lives in local schools through literacy
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - When’s the last time you pulled out a book and read? For a lot of people, daily, for others, probably not so much.
In the CSRA, Rise Augusta is changing lives in our schools through literacy.
The nonprofit says they have seen multiple benefits in the kids they tutor on a weekly basis.
They’re finding solutions in making sure no child is left behind in their education journey.
It’s a ion for the tutors at Rise Augusta and Jenny Landrum is one of them, helping kids in grades K through 5th learn how to read.
“We want to make it to where it’s enjoyable,” said Landrum. “We want to get it on their level, let it be their learning style. Let them see that they can do it.”
Rise Augusta used to be called Community in Schools which is a national program.
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In 2020, Rise Augusta, a non-profit organization, was created specifically to meet the needs of kids in the augusta area.
“It’s been proven that if a child goes into middle school and they are not at grade level with their reading, that’s going to affect a lot of things that are going on in their life and it’s also proven that a lot of kids will drop out of school because they’re not able to read what their assignment is,” said Debby Kalliokoski, resource development director with Rise Augusta.
And that’s where Rise Augusta steps in. Meeting kids where they are, while helping them get to where they should be.
They say 85% of students in Rise tutoring programs improved their reading levels, while 90% showed improved behavior in school.
Landrum says it’s amazing to witness the improvement.
“It’s like a light bulb has come on with a bunch of flashes, and when you see their faces light up and say I got this, then you are like, wow, they are going to make it and be global learners,” said Landrom.
Rise offers tutoring in six Richmond County schools and after-school tutoring to kids across the CSRA at the hub.
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They say their services are completely free thanks to donors and fundraisers like their Golf Fore Kids tournament coming up in May.
“We do not have federal or state dollars and rely solely on donors in our area, so it’s very important for our mission and for us to keep going because we are really changing these students’ lives,” said Angela Prince, Strive director.
There is a waiting list currently for kids in need of tutoring services.
Rise Augusta says they could use more volunteers to tutor and hopefully get more kids off that list.
Another way you can help is by donating new or gently used books to Rise Augusta.
They’ve distributed 31,000 free books to students.
For more information on how you can or sign your child up, visit their website here.
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