Empowering Readers for Success (ERAS) is a partnership with OpenLiteracy to help elementary students strengthen reading skills. The program uses a science of reading curriculum developed by the University of Florida Literacy Institute. Modeled partly on the Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring program, ERAS offers one-on-one and small group support without age requirements for tutors. Volunteers use pre-created lessons, eliminating the need for planning, and meet with students twice a week.
Over the past 1.5 years, ERAS has piloted programs in the Clairton School District and Catalyst Charter Academy, as well as after-school programs at Faison and Lincoln schools within Pittsburgh Public Schools. So far, ERAS has served 111 students with the help of 43 tutors. Results show significant reading gains for the children, while volunteers value the structure and guidance provided.
With new grant funding, Clairton will implement the curriculum schoolwide, while tutoring will continue. ERAS will also expand at Catalyst Academy and plans to add schools in Woodland Hills, Wilkinsburg, and Duquesne City districts. Additionally, we will pilot lessons with adult low-literate English language learners in our adult education program.
The program receives rave reviews from tutors and schools. One tutor wrote, “This program is very positive, and I walk away feeling I have made an impact each time I am there. The other tutors I have met seem to have that positive feeling of working with the kids too. We are lucky to have found this program to volunteer with in our area.”
If you are interested in volunteering for ERAS tutoring, please visit www.erastutoring.org for details.
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is the largest provider of adult basic education in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. Last year, Literacy Pittsburgh helped more than 4,000 individuals acquire the skills needed to reach their fullest potential in life and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, digital literacy, English language learning, math, reading, and family literacy through one-to-one and small class instruction. Founded in 1982, it serves local adults through numerous neighborhood locations and its Downtown Pittsburgh Learning Center.
