YMCA Kicks Off Free ‘Y Readers’ Program To Help Kids Read Better in Charlotte and Mooresville

A new free reading initiative has started at the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. The Y Readers program targets young students from kindergarten through third grade who need extra support with reading skills. Students from both Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Mooresville Graded School District can take part.

"We are offering any kind of literacy support, specifically early literacy, for students in kindergarten through third grade that are not just yet at that grade-level proficiency when it comes to literacy," said Ivette Gonzalez, director of academic initiatives for the YMCA, according to WBTV.

The results speak for themselves. Summer participants showed strong gains: 86% maintained or boosted their reading abilities. After-school results proved even more striking, with 96% of students holding steady or moving ahead in their skills.

Students get more than reading instruction. The program includes daily meals and afternoon activities that spark interest and keep young minds active.

"As a former teacher and administrator myself, these are the types of programs we wish were at every school because we see that sometimes those kids just need that tiny little bit of extra support, just a little more time," Gonzalez said.

At the Mooresville site, coordinator Alyson Granger noticed big changes. "It's just amazing to see the kids as they grow over the summer and to see the kids as they've come into this school year, they have maintained. We didn't see as much of a regression," Granger told WBTV.

Ruby, one young participant, shared her thoughts: "I like to read because I get to learn about a lot of stuff," she said.

The program runs on YMCA fundraising efforts. "We want to make sure that we're able to eliminate the barriers to families that might need the support," Gonzalez said. "Any kind of funder support that we are able to have allows us to provide to more students, more schools."

Charlotte-Mecklenburg students can join both summer and after-school sessions. Mooresville district students have access to summer programs only.

The YMCA of Greater Charlotte website lists sign-up details. Those wanting to support the program can give through the Y Give campaign, which helps sustain and grow these vital reading services.