Everybody Wins Vermont Inc

Everybody Wins! Vermont: success in reading and relating that lasts a lifetime.

Because you give to Everybody Wins! Vermont, over 650 children this year will read every week with a caring adult mentor.

When children enjoy reading and feel connected to caring adults, their chances of a good life increase.

In Vermont, 7% of adults are illiterate at a time when more advanced literacy is necessary to do well in life. Says Dr. Marjorie Lipson from UVM, "Most students in Vermont can accomplish basic tasks requiring literacy, but only a minority will be poised for real success in education or the workplace." (August 2014, Burlington Free Press) At eighth grade, 84% of students test "basic" on reading tests, and only 45% of them test "proficient."

Everybody Wins! Vermont helps children read more and enjoy reading. We provide one-on-one adult mentors who come to school to read with children every week over lunchtime at Power Lunch.

Children who read well achieve more academically, enjoy school more, and stay in school.

Similarly, children who have mentors do better in school, stay in school, have better self esteem and better relationships at home, and avoid risky behaviors.

Don't take our word for it:

"Every September I encounter students who are reluctant to even pull a book off the shelves; they have struggled as readers and have the sense that reading has nothing to offer them but further frustration. When those same students join Everybody Wins! their transformation is unbelievable—they are tripping over themselves to get their hands on new books, and they are capable of reading more and more challenging texts. This growth is due in no small part to the incredible commitment and joy that the Everybody Wins! mentors bring to their work and instill in their mentees—and you can quote me on that!"

—a school librarian assistant, 2013

Because of Everybody Wins! Vermont, children are better readers. Because they look forward to reading and talking with their mentors, children are more enthusiastic about school. Because they are in school every week, community members know more and care more about their community schools.

Because you give, more Vermont children have a chance at a good life.