We are thrilled to share our newest cohort of United Readers mentors! Our mentors are AmeriCorps members who are specially trained to work with local elementary school students one-on-one and in small groups to build their phonemic awareness skills.
In the 2022-2023 school year, 17 United Readers' Mentors provided in-person services to 324 students at Maxwell Elementary, Peavine Elementary, Silver Lake Elementary, Sun Valley Elementary, Echo Loder Elementary, Bordewich Bray Elementary, and Lahontan Elementary. Students are assessed before and after the program to track progress and skill development. 95% of students demonstrated improvement after participating in the United Readers program.
This year, we've welcomed 18 new mentors and have expanded to serve students at Lincoln Park Elementary, Nancy Gomes Elementary, Natchez Elementary, Sarah Winnemucca Elementary, Stead Elementary, Edith Fritsch Elementary, and C.C. Meneley Elementary!
Get to know some of our mentors below!
Funmi Sheddy 
Why is early education important to you?
"Early education is a passion of mine because every child deserves the opportunity to become whoever they want to be. Literacy and other education are the foundational building blocks upon which their future success will be built."
Why did you become a mentor?
"Because I want to do what I can to make a difference in children's lives. I also want to learn what works so I can help promote system changes in public education down the road."
Tracy Anderson 
Why is early education important to you?
"I've been in the field for over 30 years. I love working with children and seeing the lights of discovery in their faces."
What are you looking forward to the most about being a mentor?
"Creating relationships with children and others who share the same goals and passion."
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