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.
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.