What Is It?
Reading Buddies, a program that supports the literacy growth of YMCA students, is a collaboration between
- The University of Texas at Austin and YMCA of Central Texas AND
- Vanderbilt University and YMCA of Middle Tennessee.
Watch this video to learn more.
Who Is Eligible?
This program is open to all first- through fifth-grade students in the YMCA afterschool program at select sites (see below) in the 2024–2025 school year. Sign up begins in August.
What Happens During Reading Buddies?
YMCA sites host Reading Buddies with either cross-age or adult tutors. All students who sign up participate in Reading Buddies—either with a peer or an adult tutor. Lessons take place three times per week for 20 minutes each.
Eligible YMCA School Sites
| Texas | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Chandler Oaks Elementary | Andrew Jackson Elementary |
| Teravista Elementary | Waverly-Belmont Elementary |
| Caldwell Heights Elementary | Nashville Classical |
| Great Oaks Elementary School | Harpeth Valley Elementary |
| Cactus Ranch Elementary | Cane Ridge Elementary |
| Old Town Elementary | Rosebank Elementary |
| Naumann Elementary | Norman Binkley Elementary |
| Pond Springs Elementary | Una Elementary |
| Camacho Elementary | Dodson Elementary |
| Block House Creek Elementary | Smith Springs Elementary |
| Mason Elementary | |
| Gattis Elementary School | |
| Brushy Creek Elementary |
Questions?
- Texas: Contact Emily Mauer.
- Tennessee: Contact Karin Sandmel.
For more information, visit our project webpage.