Program organizers hope to incorporate half of the University's workstudy students. Introducing the America Reads program to the workstudy system has the potential to benefit both primary school students and their college student instructors. Participating students will receive academic instruction to complement regular class time. The service is a relief to many schools, in which classes are large and individualized tutoring is a rare occurrence. On the other end, workstudy college students stand to gain valuable teaching experience by working directly with students in the classroom. In this case, education begets education in an arrangement that benefits all concerned.
The costs of housing, tuition and books for students at the University forces many to enlist in financial aid programs. Unlike student loans, which can lead to long-term debt and bad credit ratings, workstudy provides a valuable opportunity for students to work against their expenses while working toward a degree. Workstudy expansions are always welcome - the more workstudy opportunities students get, the more they can avoid costly unsubsidized loans.
By sponsoring the America Reads program, the University also continues to strengthen its admirable reputation for community service. Most workstudy students spend their work hours on campus performing clerical or other occasionally mundane tasks. The program will move students into the community, encouraging students to take an interest in the city and encounter community members who fall outside the age group most common on campus.
Forging educational bonds with children may serve a larger and more important goal: planting seeds to inspire future college education. University students participating in America Reads have a golden opportunity to touch young minds and encourage them to continue their academic pursuits into young adulthood. In a way, the student tutors will become ambassadors of the University.
Paramount to the America Reads program is literacy. As many scholars can attest, it is not unusual for high school students to graduate without knowing how to read. Reading functions as the fundamental component of education. Without its mastery there is little opportunity for academic achievement. America Reads is intended to combat these pressing problems. The University's support of the program demonstrates a dedication to education in all phases.