PHILADELPHIA – Today, Mayor Kenney, the City’s Managing Director Mike DiBerardinis, Chief Education Officer Otis Hackney, and several program partners visited Houston Elementary School to celebrate the second program year and significant expansion of Philly Reading Coaches (PRC).

PRC is an early literacy after-school program developed by Philadelphia’s Citywide Out-of-School Time Initiative and funded by the William Penn Foundation. The program pairs K-3 students and volunteers for one hour of reading together per week, boosting student confidence and enjoyment in reading. The program launched last school year at three pilot sites and expanded this fall to 20 locations, including School District of Philadelphia schools, recreation centers, libraries, and Police Athletic League centers.

Officials highlighted the importance of early literacy before touring and observing reading sessions where K-3 students and community volunteers read together in the elementary school’s cafeteria.

“The expansion of Philly Reading Coaches offers a great example of how the City, School District, and partners are aligned around our shared goal of helping children read at their grade level,” said Michael DiBerardinis, Managing Director. “We know that early literacy skills are critical for students’ success, and we also know that out-of-school time is an important part of students’ learning experiences. That’s why we’re dedicated to connecting as many children as possible to quality out-of-school programs like Philly Reading Coaches.”

“This program is one of many ways the City and partners are working together to support early literacy and ensure that students are reading on grade level,” said Mayor Kenney. “Reading is an important tool for learning, in addition to being a fun, life-long activity. I’m proud of our children for devoting themselves to weekly reading, and I am grateful for the community volunteers who are making Philly Reading Coaches possible.”

“I’m proud that Houston Elementary School is a Philly Reading Coaches site,” said Principal LeRoy Hall. “As an educator it is inspiring to see our students continuing to learn outside of school time. Thanks to Philly Reading Coaches, and volunteers all across the city our children continue to succeed.”

“I signed up to volunteer with Philly Reading Coaches because I believe that it ‘takes a village’ to raise a child,” said Philly Reading Coaches volunteer Kate Johnson. “I’ll never forget those who made a positive impact on my children’s lives, and by reading for one hour a week with a student through Philly Reading Coaches, I now see the difference I am making. One hour of reading with a student is an easy commitment and something I enjoy each week.”

Philly Reading Coaches volunteers must be at least 14 years old and commit to one hour of reading with a K-3 student each week. A full map of all PRC sites can be found here, and an up-to-date list of sites in particular need of volunteers can be found here. Anyone interested in becoming a Philly Reading Coach can fill out an interest form on the Philly Reading Coaches website.