Become a First Grade READS Mentor and Help Students Build Strong Reading Skills

Every year, hundreds of Virginia Beach first graders start the school year already behind in reading — and without help, most of them stay behind. A child who isn't reading on grade level by the end of first grade has an 88% chance of still struggling in fourth grade, and students who aren't proficient readers by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school later on. 

First Grade READS is an initiative to change that story — one child at a time — through GrowSmart, the Virginia Beach Public Library's early childhood education program. 

First Grade READS 

The First Grade READS program pairs trained volunteer reading mentors with Virginia Beach first graders who need extra reading support. Volunteers meet one-on-one with the same students each week throughout the school year, using simple, proven techniques covered in a hands-on training session.  

There are no lesson plans to write, no assignments to grade and no classroom of 25 to manage — just a child, a book, and steady, patient attention. 

Retired teachers and librarians often find the role especially familiar — but you don't need a background in education to apply. Every volunteer completes training and a background check before being matched with a pair of students, and ongoing coaching is available throughout the year.  

Children meet with their mentor for 30 minutes twice a week during the school day and each mentor is asked to meet with two students. Mentors also send their student home with a free book each month to help build a home library.

Volunteer Today! 

If you have one hour a day, two days a week to give, First Grade READS has a place for you. 

Curious about volunteering? GrowSmart is hosting a free, virtual information session, 1-2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14, to learn more about the program. No commitment is required to attend.  

Volunteers who choose to move forward are required to attend one of two training sessions: 

• Friday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 
• Tuesday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Full program details are available at VirginiaBeach.gov/FirstGradeREADS. Register for a specific school location online. For any questions or more information, reach out directly to the GrowSmart office at 757-385-0144 or VBGrowSmart@vbgov.com. 

• First Grade READS
• GrowSmart
• Public Library