Kids Need Your Help All Over Western New York

As great as the Buffalo and Western New York region is, it has problems and concerns. While the 716 is known worldwide for the quality of its schools, tons of students all over the area have serious struggles with literacy and reading.

While this is something we've known for a while all over New York State, a report that was released by the Department of Education last year really showed how bad things have gotten, which is much worse than many of have thought.

While this problem is a nationwide issue that isn't just limited to the Empire State, as more children fall behind, we see that Western New York is one of the communities leading where things just aren't improving as much as we want.

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Data from Literacy Buffalo-Niagara shows that almost a third of the adults in the Buffalo area are functionally illiterate.

Adults who struggle to read start as kids who struggle to read, and if we don't do something about it, things will only get worse across the 716.

You Can Help Kids All Over Western New York Improve Their Reading Ability

One key thing that helps kids improve their reading is having lots of exposure and practice. Studies have shown some serious improvements for those who can get one-on-one tutoring and additional reading help.

One organization in Buffalo is looking to lead the way in helping kids in Western New York improve. Experience Corps Buffalo, an initiative by Read to Succeed Buffalo, in partnership with the BPS and AARP Foundation, pairs students who read below grade level with volunteer reading mentors who will work with them one-on-one to help them improve their reading skills. If you have time, you should sign up to be trained as a professional tutor.

If this sounds like you, sign up to become an Experience Corp tutor with Read To Succeed Buffalo here.