Our
Initiatives
Operation ABC™
Every child a reader by grade three
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Operation ABC is an initiative that brings together school districts, nonprofits, corporations and volunteers to improve the reading levels of first and second graders in metro Detroit. This community-based initiative will recruit and train 2,000 volunteers and mobilize them in classrooms across the region as reading tutors. Each volunteer will give between one and five hours a week from Fall 2007 – Spring 2008.
Why are you targeting this age group?
Standardized test scores reveal nearly 7,000 third graders throughout Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties who are not reading at grade level. Studies show that of the children who don’t read at grade level by third grade, 10 to 15 percent will drop out of high school and only two percent will complete a college degree. It is critical to give every child the tools he or she needs to obtain a full and rich education in order to gain meaningful employment and be successful.
How does this fit into the Agenda for Change?
United Way’s Agenda for Change focuses on financial stability, educational preparedness, and basic needs. As part of its educational preparedness work, United Way is committed to ensuring that children read at grade level by third grade.
Who is involved?
More than 55 schools in 13 school districts will have tutors in their classrooms. We are working with educational experts, parents and key community leaders to create a results-oriented program.
Where will this take place?
Volunteers will be in schools across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
What are the next steps?
We are solidifying elementary school partners and laying the foundation for volunteer mobilization, including formalizing the training process. We are also recruiting volunteers from the community, corporations, faith-based organizations, universities, and other community groups.
What can the community do?
Volunteer! This program will be successful because of individual volunteers who give their time. Corporations and other organizations can get involved by adopting a school – committing at least 10 employees to serve as volunteer tutors. If you are an individual who wants to volunteer, call 2-1-1. If you represent a company that wants to help, contact your campaign representative or call 2-1-1.
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