YReads! Program
As of 2023, 47% of third grade students in Pinellas County are reading below grade level according to the Florida State Assessment (FSA) from the Florida Department of Education. Unfortunately, students struggling to read in third grade rarely catch up – one in six students who are not proficient by that point fail to graduate high school on time, a rate four times higher than stronger readers.
YReads! provides kindergarten through eighth grade students with the intensive reading instruction they need to succeed. Students are referred by teachers to work with YMCA staff and mentors in small groups during two one-hour individualized sessions per week.
We continuously measure reading skills using both i-Ready Diagnostic tests and informal assessments to provide targeted instruction and track the results of the program. Overall, 98% of students in the program see quantifiable progress in their reading skills and progress to the next grade level!
In the News: YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg Delivers Impressive Results Through "YReads!" Program
In a heartening display of community collaboration and dedication to education, the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg's partnership with the Pinellas County School Board (PCSB) has yielded outstanding results in its YReads! literacy program. Read More»
School Locations
The YReads! program is open to students of the host school only.
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Bay Point Elementary
5800 22nd St. South
St. Petersburg, FL 33712Coordinator:
Hannah Merritt
[email protected] -
Bay Point Middle
2151 62nd Ave. South
St. Petersburg, FL 33712Coordinator:
John Miller
[email protected] -
Bear Creek Elementary
350 61st St. South
St. Petersburg, FL 33707Coordinator:
Isabella Falen
[email protected] -
Douglas L. Jamerson Elementary
1200 37th St. South
St. Petersburg, FL 33711Coordinator:
Abby Miller
[email protected] -
Lynch Elementary
1901 71st Ave. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33702Coordinator:
Mary Lindsey
[email protected] -
Meadowlawn Middle
6050 16th St. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33703Coordinator:
Madison Castellano
[email protected] -
Northwest Elementary
5601 22nd Ave. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710Coordinator:
Dalgis Mora
[email protected] -
Perkins Elementary
2205 18th Ave. South
St. Petersburg, FL 33712Coordinator:
Katie McQueen
[email protected] -
Pinellas Park Middle
6940 70th Ave. North
Pinellas Park, FL 33781Coordinator:
Liz Piquet
[email protected] -
Sawgrass Lake Elementary
1815 77th Ave. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33702Coordinator:
Taryn Jensen
[email protected] -
Sexton Elementary
1997 54th Ave. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33714Coordinator:
Suzanne Daniele
[email protected] -
Westgate Elementary
3560 58th St. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710Coordinator:
Vikki Man
[email protected] -
Woodlawn Elementary
1600 16th St. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33704Coordinator:
Autumn Tilsworth
[email protected]
A FREE program made possible by
Volunteer
By volunteering two hours each week, you can teach a child to read. As a YReads! mentor, you will work in a small group environment or one-on-one with kindergarten through third grade students, developing positive self-esteem and helping students improve their academic performance. Be a child's tutor and friend, and help give them the keys to a brighter future.
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and complete an online application, on-boarding and pass background checks and fingerprinting. All necessary training is provided. Join us - we wouldn't be able to accelerate student success without the help of our amazing volunteers!
