Since its inception in1998, Hartford Jewish Coalition for Literacy (HJCL) has sent reading volunteers into public schools in the Greater Hartford area for weekly one-on-one reading tutoring sessions with students in need. Over the years, HJCL not only has helped more than 4,300 young students learn to read, it also given them the confidence to take on new challenges and improve their quality of life.

Every year, one of every three American students begin kindergarten without the language skills needed to learn to read. Fifty percent of Hartford area third graders are unable to read at grade level. By volunteering just 30 minutes a week, reading mentors can help give these students the tools they need to beat the odds and succeed in life.

All it takes to become an HJCL reading mentor is attendance at one of the following training sessions:

Preschool Pals: Sept. 4, 6:30 p.m. in West Hartford.  

Elementary Express: Sept.18, 6:30 p.m. in West Hartford, or Sept. 19, 9:30 a.m. in Manchester.

Trainings will also be provided throughout the year. For more information, call (860) 236-7323 or email hjcl@jewishhartford.org.

HJCL is a program of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and an affiliate of the National Jewish Coalition for Literacy.