[SACRAMENTO, CA, September 22, 2020] – Sacramento nonprofit 916 Ink is launching Read On!, a new reading tutoring program, in partnership with the Arata Brothers Trust and other local literacy advocates. Delivered online and using evidence-based curriculum, Read On! will decrease the reading gap among Sacramento’s youth, help youth gain the skills necessary to be proficient readers, and increase youth confidence and reading engagement.

In 2018, the Sacramento Bee reported that three out of five of Sacramento County fifth-graders are not reading on grade level (1). In recent years, Sacramento has seen improvements to children’s literacy, thanks to various interventions. However, recently, these interventions have either been cancelled entirely, or they have struggled since COVID-19 to engage youth. Considering these factors, Arata Brothers, 916 Ink, and other local literacy advocates felt it was important to build a collaborative Sacramento-based literacy solution that is owned and operated here in the region and that supports reading attainment in our community for generations to come.

916 Ink envisions a Sacramento region where every child and teen is given access to a creative writing program that leads them to believe in themselves and to understand the power of the written word.  Reading and writing are complementary and necessary elements of student success, and as such, it is a natural fit for 916 Ink to pilot a reading tutoring program.

More details about the program:

Students enrolled in Read On! will receive additional evidence-based reading instruction in individualized learning sessions with Read On! tutors (916 Ink staff/volunteers). Instruction is designed for students reading at a beginning first through mid-third grade level. Lessons comprise direct instruction in phonics and comprehension, as well as practice using an online reading intervention program, Tutoring with the Lightning Squad (from the Success for All Foundation). Students are referred to Read On! by their classroom teacher, school student support team, or administration. Tutoring occurs with one to two students per tutor. Students will participate in 45-minute tutoring sessions via Zoom 3 times a week for approximately 8 weeks or 24 sessions. At the end of the 8 week series, student progress is assessed and further intervention will continue if necessary.  

Read On! will launch this fall as a pilot with partners at two schools in Sacramento City Unified School District, Ethel Phillips Elementary and H. W. Harkness Elementary. The program will reach students in grades 1st through 4th who are behind in their reading skills.

The program is actively seeking new volunteer tutors. Prospective volunteers can visit https://www.916ink.org/volunteer to submit their interest.

916 Ink is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has been serving the youth of the Sacramento area for nearly 10 years. Its mission is to empower youth through creative writing, and has helped more than 4,000 children and teenagers become confident writers. 

Website: www.916ink.org

Email: info@916ink.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/916Ink

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/916ink/

Twitter: @916_INK

(1) https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/education/article218148785.html

##

Allison Stelly

June 17, 2020