Office of Service-Learning
& Volunteer Programs

West Chester University

Office Location: B 19 Killinger Hall
Mailing Address: 238 Sykes Union
West Chester, PA 19383
Phone: 610-436-3379


Work Study America Reads

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The America Reads program offers West Chester University students the incredible opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children. Through tutoring, mentoring, and homework assistance, you will help to foster educational growth in the children you work with.










What is America Reads?

America Reads started as a national literacy campaign in 1986 by the Clinton administration. The goal of America Reads is to recruit “one million volunteer reading tutors ready and able to give children the personal attention they need to catch up and get ahead.” To learn more about the Federal Work Study America Reads program continue to the Campus Compact website.

What will I be doing?

  • Tutoring
  • Mentoring
  • Homework assistance
  • Facilitating educational games and extracurricular activities

How do I get involved?

  1. Work Study
    If you are a student in need of financial assistance, you may qualify for work study. If you qualify, you will receive $7.50/hour for your work as an America Reads tutor. Work study students may work up to ten hours a week. To apply, applicants should fill out the FAFSA, the Federal Work Student Employment Application, and the Work Study Supplemental Contract for the America Reads Program.

  2. Volunteer
    You can also participate in America Reads as a volunteer. To volunteer for this program, please visit the Office of Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs.

There are 6 local America Reads locations:

  1. Sankofka Academy Charter School
    Located in the borough of West Chester, Sankofa Academy is a free public charter school serving students in grades 5 through 12. The students are primarily black and Hispanic. Sankofa Academy relies on The Nguzo Saba, which are principles used to foster balance in the individual, or community.
  2. Scott Middle School
    Scott Middle School is located in Coatesville, PA and is serving students in grades 6 through 8. The student demographics are: 48% Black, 37% White, 15% Hispanic, and 1% Asian. Scott Middle School fosters and expects excellence from their staff and students and recognizes the leadership potential in all students.
  3. The Care Center
    The Care Center is located on Matlack St. in West Chester and works to provide for families in this low-income neighborhood. The Care Center is viewed as a place of safety and security for neighborhood families and their children.
  4. YMCA of Brandywine Valley
    The YMCA PAL program focuses on improving the lives and futures of children in need by providing safe, supervised quality care for ages 5 to 15. YPAL provides free after school care, tutoring, homework help, mentoring, etc… five days a week.
  5. The Garage Community and Youth CenterThe Garage is located in Kennett Square and is home to services for middle and high school students. The Garage is a place for students to come after school to receive help with homework, use a computer, play a game of pool, or meet new friends.
  6. The Charles A. Melton Center
    The mission of the historic Melton Center is to contribute to the quality of life for all people of the greater West Chester community by continuing its long commitment of providing educational, recreational, cultural and civic services.
  7. YMCA of Brandywine Valley Enrichment Program
    The YMCA Childcare Enrichment Program (C.E.P) fills the empty hours before and after school. At C.E.P, every project is carefully designed to activate childrens’ imaginations and encourage lifelong, positive values.

Take a look at the America Reads brochure for more information. To inquire about the Federal Work Study America Reads program, contact Caitlin Mahon or Julianne Spadine at (610) 436-3379.