PHILADELPHIA – The Office of Children and Families announced today that the City’s Philly Reading Coaches program will resume in November using an online platform for one-on-one reading sessions. Since 2018, Philly Reading Coaches (PRC) has paired trained volunteers with K-3 students for weekly reading sessions to build confidence and a love of reading. In response to the challenges and risks posed by COVID-19, the program will take place entirely online this school year.

“Philly Reading Coaches give young readers one-on-one attention and support, which is especially important during remote learning,” said Deputy Mayor Cynthia Figueroa. “By moving to an online platform this year, we can offer free, individualized reading sessions for children while providing a fun, virtual way to volunteer and make a difference in a child’s life.”

Registration is now open for volunteers and for students. Weekly reading sessions will last for an hour and take place outside of school hours, generally between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Interested families can begin the registration process by signing up online. Students will participate in reading sessions twice a week. In addition, students will receive 25 books for their home library and will have access to the online Literacy Pro platform where they can choose from an ebook library of more than 2,300 titles.

Prospective volunteers can begin the registration process by filling out an interest form on the PRC website. Volunteers can be as young as 14 years old and must complete mandatory background checks and a training process before they can begin reading with students.