Help Us Grow Foundation Virtual Reading Program

Founded in 2008, Help Us Grow (H.U.G.) set out to BE THE DIFFERENCE™ in the lives of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students with the vision of putting them on a positive life trajectory by improving their reading ability, while growing better social skills. To date, we have served over 250 students and have been implemented into 15 schools/non-profits.

H.U.G. strives to promote social equality and education for all students allowing them to achieve grade level reading by completion of third grade. H.U.G. incorporates character development and confidence building components to help struggling readers become confident grade level readers. In the face of the pandemic, we chose to pivot our H.U.G. program from “traditional” H.U.G. to a “virtual” H.U.G. reading program. H.U.G. uses nationally approved curriculums (Learning Together and Education.com) to provide students with a structured and measurable curriculum. Now, students and tutors meet virtually through Zoom to practice reading together on a weekly basis. The H.U.G. mentors/tutors volunteer as little as one hour per week bonding with students on their social, emotional, and academic needs.