Start The Adventure in Reading- STAIR

Start The Adventure In Reading (STAIR)'s mission is to increase the reading skills and self-esteem of lower elementary students. STAIR provides free, one-on-one tutoring to local children at risk of failing reading. STAIR students are eligible for free/reduced meals, are 90% people of color, and most come from single parent led households. Our goal is to change the life-long opportunities of our youngest citizens, and STAIR is more needed than ever.

Reading on grade level by 3rd grade is the most critical early academic benchmark, yet nearly 70% of Greater New Orleans area 3rd graders lack these skills.

Children who don't reach their 3rd grade reading benchmark are four times less likely to graduate from high school and earn a living wage.

85% of children who interface with the juvenile justice system are functionally illiterate.

Illiteracy and crime are closely related. The Department of Justice states, "The link between academic failure and delinquency, violence, and crime is welded to reading failure." Over 70% of inmates in America's prisons cannot read above a fourth grade level.

By providing free one-on-one tutoring to struggling young students before they fall too far behind in school, STAIR positively affects the life trajectory of local children.

Testimonials

"The program was quite helpful in assisting my grandson succeed with reading. His tutor is absolutely the best. She was encouraging and motivating. Excellent experience." -STAIR Grandparent

This is my 4th year volunteering with STAIR and I honestly love it.- Vanessa, STAIR Tutor

STAIR quiero empezar diciendo que estoy agradecida con tan hermoso programa y talentoso personal , las palabras se quedan cortas para describir lo que ha cambiado la vida de mi hija y la mia , le pido a Dios en mis oraciones para que siempre tengan la ayuda necesaria para continuar ayudando a los ninos amar la lectura y ensenandoles con ese carino. -Gloria, STAIR Parent