By Allyson Bortz

Tables piled high with stacks of colorful books, activity packets and bright red pencil bags filled the room as volunteers, interns and employees worked side by side, carefully packing reading kits for thousands of Orange County Public Schools students. 

Each book and bag was more than just school supplies; it was a step toward helping a student find the joy of reading. 

Those bags are a part of the Read2Succeed program, a mentorship and tutoring program that helps nearly 3,000 Orange County Public Schools students build stronger reading skills and greater confidence. Read2Succeed pairs students with volunteer reading tutors who meet with them weekly. During these one-on-one sessions, volunteer tutors help students practice essential reading skills by focusing on vocabulary, comprehension and fluency. 

Before a volunteer ever sits down with a student to read, another group of volunteers is at work behind the scenes. Around the room, books are stacked into neat piles while activity packets, bookmarks and reading materials are sorted into bags. Each child in the Read2Succeed program will receive one of these reading bags that are packed with books, lots of stickers and fun school supplies. 

This year, Read2Succeed is introducing an enhanced first-grade vocabulary program,  while maintaining the heart of the mission – sharing the joy of literacy. Volunteers read 14 books with students over 18 sessions. The students take home the books as they complete them, helping them build home libraries. The updated lessons incorporate foundational reading skills, decodable passages and activities aligned with the Science of Reading and Florida’s ELA standards to reinforce classroom learning.

 “When people ask what makes Read2Succeed successful, my answer is our tutors,” said Elizabeth Conrad, senior administrator for Read2Succeed. “They are our superpower. Their generosity, patience and belief in every child are priceless, and without them, many students would continue to struggle with reading.”

Data shows students are building the foundational skills they need to succeed and are making measurable progress in closing reading gaps. As the program enters its 26th year, the curriculum adjustments should help the program have an even greater impact. 

Long after the last reading bag is packed and the classroom lights turn on for a new school year, the impact of those preparations continues. Week after week volunteers sit beside a student building confidence through encouragement, consistency and shared stories. 

While each volunteer spends just one hour a week with a student, those mentors leave a lasting impact, opening doors to new opportunities and inspiring a love of reading.

Interested in making a difference? Read2Succeed is always looking for caring volunteers to help inspire the next generation of readers. Volunteers attend a training sessionVolunteers attend a training sessionVolunteers attend a training session before starting at a school. Just one hour a week can help a child build confidence and discover the joy of reading.   

Learn more about the programLearn more about the programsign up to volunteer with Read2Succeed today and sign up to volunteer with Read2Succeed todaysign up to volunteer with Read2Succeed todaysign up to volunteer with Read2Succeed today.