In 2004, Roberta and Clay Klein founded Read With Me Volunteer Programs (RWMVP) after learning local schools desperately needed English-speaking role models. Their vision has since grown into a powerful nonprofit that now serves 29 schools across Coachella Valley, Tahoe, and Reno.
Many children in these communities come from families where English is not spoken at home, and parents who have had little formal education. For these students, learning English can be the key that unlocks future success. RWMVP provides that key through a simple but impactful model: students in grades K–6 read to volunteers, who then help them with pronunciation, comprehension, and confidence. Volunteers commit just two to three hours a week, working alongside teachers in small groups or one-on-one.
The results speak volumes. In 2004, only 51% of East Valley students graduated from high school. Today, graduation rates have soared to 86.1%, due in large part to programs like RWMVP. Last year alone, over 14,500 students benefited from the guidance of 535 dedicated volunteers who invested 14,000 tutoring hours. Thousands of books were distributed, fostering a culture of reading that extends beyond the classroom.
“Helping disadvantaged children become successful, contributing citizens in our local communities is extremely rewarding,” says Executive Director Sean Webb.
For more information about Read With Me Volunteer Programs and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.readwithmevolunteer.org or call 760-567-1830. Read With Me is a proud partner with the Riverside County Office of Education Literacy by 5th Grade Initiative.
