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Our Programs in the News

Cummins Foundation to Fund More High-Impact Tutoring through Math Corps

We are thrilled to announce that The Cummins Foundation has awarded Ampact a grant of nearly half a million dollars to expand our educational programs in Georgia and Minnesota! The grant totals $450,000 and will fund 45 new Math Corps tutors covering ages kindergarten through 8th grade. Founded 70 years ago as the charitable wing of the Cummins manufacturing company, The Cummins Foundation provides financial support to community development in the areas where Cummins employees live and work.  

A Necessary Boost for Students

30 of the new tutors will serve in the metro Atlanta area, while the other 15 will serve a range of Minnesota communities including Duluth and Fridley, home to one of the company’s major production centers. With students still recovering from the effects of the pandemic and national math scores at a 20-year-low, it’s more important than ever that students receive the support they need. Over the next two years, the 45 new Math Corps members will serve an estimated 2,500 students in the two states using proven, evidenced-backed methods.  

“Math proficiency is essential for students,” says Sadie O’Connor, Math Corps’ Managing Director. “A strong foundation in math leads to greater rates of high school graduation, college admission, and opportunities for well-paying jobs down the road. Math Corps tutors are committed to helping students achieve success in the classroom and beyond.” 

Proven Impact on Learning

Study after study has demonstrated that students achieve more through Math Corps. A year-long randomized controlled trial from 2019 observed statistically significant and meaningful effects on multiple metrics, equivalent to a full semester or more of additional growth. Another study in 2023 confirmed that students who received tutoring through Math Corps experienced boosts in both math test results and math confidence.  

Through the new funding from this award, Math Corps will reach more students and help them reach their educational potential. We thank everyone at the Cummins Foundation for their support.

Lieutenant Governor Primavera Celebrates Success of AmeriCorps Reading Corps Program

This story was originally published by the State of Colorado.

FORT COLLINS — Today, Lieutenant Governor Primavera visited Coyote Ridge Elementary School to highlight the recent success of the Reading Corps program that Colorado AmeriCorps members are currently leading in 66 schools across the state. This includes routine one on one or small group tutoring sessions for students to help them achieve grade-level reading. Colorado’s AmeriCorps programming is led by Serve Colorado, which is part of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, and the Reading Corps service program is carried out by Colorado Youth for a Change.

“We’re incredibly proud of the work Colorado AmeriCorps members are leading to invest in the educational growth and development for elementary school students,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “Studies show that early reading skills are linked with positive outcomes later in life including pursuing higher education and accessing well paying jobs. It’s exciting to see AmeriCorps service resulting in better outcomes for Colorado students, and we’re committed to continuing this important work.”

A recent evaluation of Colorado’s Reading Corps program has revealed an average student growth equivalent to several months of additional instruction. Student growth was even more significant among English-language learners (ELL), equating to nearly 16 extra weeks for ELL. Cost-benefit analyses show that the program provides a strong return on investment, exceeding $5 for every $1 invested.

Reading Corps launched in 2003 and uses AmeriCorps members as literacy tutors. The program has been replicated in 13 states and is backed by a large body of research, including rigorous third-party randomized control trials. The program consists of daily 20-minute one-on-one or small group literacy interventions with students in kindergarten through third grade identified as needing extra support in reading. Colorado Youth for a Change implements the program in Colorado and served 2,682 students through the program last year. 

“We are committed to supporting schools across Colorado by delivering high-quality proven programming to students while cultivating experience and skills in our future educators,” said Mary Zanotti Executive Director of Colorado Youth for a Change. “Our partnerships with Lieutenant Governor Primavera and Serve Colorado make this impact possible, and we look forward to witnessing continued growth in our students and AmeriCorps members in the years to come.”

Coyote Ridge Elementary and the Thompson School District participated in the Reading Corps statewide evaluation, and are also participating in Serve Colorado’s innovative Teacher Pipeline program. In this program, AmeriCorps members complete one year of service delivering academic tutoring, mentorship, and socioemotional wellness support to students. Following their initial service year, members have the opportunity to complete a second year of service, all while simultaneously enrolling in a state-approved alternative teacher licensure program. This opportunity empowers members to fill important jobs in Colorado schools, and remain in the communities where they have fostered profound connections with students and families, all while acquiring a teaching license. 

For more information about the Colorado Reading Corps program and to learn how to join the program and volunteer, visit youthforachange.org/our-programs/colorado-reading-corps. To learn more about other volunteer opportunities across the state of Colorado with AmeriCorps, please visit servecolorado.colorado.gov. 

20 Years of Impact for Students Nationwide

(BPT) – Did you know that fewer than a third of our 4th graders are reading proficiently? Together, we can help change this. Reading Corps and Early Learning Corps trains ordinary people to make an extraordinary impact as tutors. Placed at local schools, tutors provide one-on-one or paired support to help students become better readers. Our evidence-based programs work and with over 20 years of impact, have already helped more than 450,000 students nationwide.

Most anyone can make a great tutor. The most important qualification is your passion and desire to make a difference. Visit join.readingandmath.org or scan the QR code to learn more. Apply by December 13 to become a tutor at a site near you in January!

20 Years of Impact for Students Nationwide

Offering evidence-based tutoring we know our programs work, and we are committed to providing support for students. Visit readingandmath.org/programs to learn more about the Reading Corps program and our 20 years of impact.

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