Read United is a one-on-one reading program that pairs Quad Cities adult volunteers with elementary kids to read together on a weekly basis for 30 minutes. With help through Read United, more students have a better shot at donning a cap and gown and accepting their high school diploma.
Volunteer opportunities are available at numerous locations on both sides of the river, and new locations are being added periodically.
Select a location below to browse Read United volunteer opportunities for the day, time and school of your choice.
Students reading on grade level at third grade are five times more likely to graduate from high school — paving the way to higher education, better opportunities in the workforce, and improved health outcomes.
There’s never been a more important time for us to come together to support our Quad Cities’ kids in their education journey. The materials below will aid you in your efforts to make an impact in the success of a student who is struggling to read on grade level.
Read United is a one-on-one reading program that pairs Quad Cities adult volunteers with elementary kids to read together on a weekly basis for 30 minutes.
The majority of students paired with Read United volunteers are struggling readers facing many barriers. Read United is an opportunity for elementary school students to practice reading and develop literacy skills with a caring adult while building a love of reading.
Reading proficiency is one of the greatest predictors of a child’s success in school and life. When kids fall behind in school, they can miss out on the opportunity to develop their full potential in life.
At United Way, we’re rallying the generous, the dreamers, the changemakers – people like you – to help get our kids on track in school and set them up to achieve now and in the future. And we won’t stop until every third-grader is reading proficiently.
Reading proficiently by third grade is one of the most important predictors of high school graduation and later career success. Students who are behind in reading by the end of third grade are significantly less likely to graduate from high school.
There are currently more than 3,000 children in third grade who live in Scott and Rock Island Counties.
Reading proficiently by third grade is one of the most important predictors of high school graduation and later career success. Students who are behind in reading by the end of third grade are significantly less likely to graduate from high school.
There are currently more than 3,000 children in third grade who live in Scott and Rock Island Counties.
Reading proficiently by third grade is one of the most important predictors of high school graduation and later career success. Students who are behind in reading by the end of third grade are significantly less likely to graduate from high school.
There are currently more than 3,000 children in third grade who live in Scott and Rock Island Counties.
Together we can be the community where every Quad Citizen, regardless of race or ZIP code, has the access and opportunity to develop their full potential.
Your support will bolster early education, out-of-school literacy programs, parenting classes and mentoring in low-income and marginalized neighborhoods.
Students helped in the Quad Cities
Quad Citizens volunteered
Hours invested in youth literacy
Together, we’re strengthening education, income and health—the building blocks of opportunity—and setting Quad Cities students up for successful futures. Join us.
A one-time gift of $150 can give an entire Quad Cities Title I classroom of kids books to take home.Â
Special thanks to Hy-Vee for partnering with us during the 2024 QC Reading Week.
Our popular tutoring program pairs volunteers with young students to read one-on-one, once a week throughout the school year. Help students stay on track in school and build a love of reading. There are over 300 students waiting for you!
