What services do you offer?

North Dakota Reading Corps is designed to improve reading abilities for students in grades K-3.  Third grade is a critical point in a child’s education, as this is the point in which students go from learning how to read to “reading to learn.” Therefore, students with deficient reading skills in third grade will often struggle throughout the rest of their school experience. The goal of the North Dakota Reading Corps is to ensure that students have sufficient reading skills by the time that they leave third grade. North Dakota Reading Corps program combines the people power of AmeriCorps with the science of how children learn to read. Reading Corps tutors are individuals who have committed to a year of national service as AmeriCorps members. A wide variety of individuals serve with North Dakota Reading Corps including college students, retirees, and parents. In exchange for their service, AmeriCorps members receive a $600 a month living allowance and an education award to be used for qualified tuition expenses or student loans when they successfully complete their term of service. Tutors serve 20 hours per week with the students and must commit to a 10-month time commitment. During the school day, students are scheduled to spend 20 minutes one on one time with tutors to take part in a structured reading program. We currently serve 10 schools in Bismarck, one school in Mandan, and one school in Hazen.

How long have you been around?

The Reading Corps model was developed in Minnesota over 11 years ago and is now replicated in 12 states and Washington, D.C. North Dakota Reading Corps formally begin in 2012 and the program came to the Bismarck and Mandan area through the Missouri River Education Cooperative (MREC) in 2014.

Who do you help?

We help students in grades K-3 who are just below reading proficiency for their grade level. Students are selected for service based on their reading scores because they fall into a set eligibility range.  We also help our AmeriCorps tutors by providing them with experience that they can apply toward future career plans. This is especially helpful for those planning to go into education or community and public service.

How are you different than other agencies?

North Dakota Reading Corps is unique in that it is a collaborative effort between school districts, regional education associations, federal and state government agencies, and community foundations focused on eliminating the literacy gap in North Dakota. Reading Corps is a data-driven program which uses research-based interventions to work toward this goal.

74% of students that completed the program exceeded the target rate of growth for their grade level to catch up with their peers.

How can people contact you for help?

To get involved, call 701-751-4041 or email jim.upgren@mrecnd.org.

How can people support your organization?

Without individuals to commit to serving as AmeriCorps tutors, we will be unable to help all of the students in Bismarck and Mandan who need extra support learning to read. We are currently in need of tutors for the upcoming school year and would encourage anyone interested in making an impact on the lives of children to visit www.ndseec.com/readingcorps to apply to become a Reading Corps tutor.