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Bergen READS

Children need one-on-one reading instruction to practice what they learn in the classroom. Bergen READS allows students in under-resourced communities to read with caring adults every week, inspiring a lifelong love of reading and increasing literacy levels. Children gain confidence in their reading skills, feel better about school, and form meaningful connections, all thanks to our volunteer Reading Buddies. 

For the 2025-2026 school year, we will improve upon our efforts to help students in these schools with the introduction of an education campaign called Bergen READS, Kids See Success! This new initiative, sponsored by Valley Health System, will train Bergen READS volunteers in early detection of vision issues, coordinate with school nurses, prepare educational materials for student caregivers and educators on vision impairment, and help students in need obtain free eyewear, while supporting healthy vision and literacy learning.

We combat illiteracy in Bergen County by training Reading Buddies

to work one-on-one with students in grades K-4.

 

Reading Buddies serve as tutors, advocates, friends, and mentors, meeting individually with students each week. Buddies help elementary public school students enjoy and improve their reading skills in a comfortable and friendly environment.

 
Volunteers for this program must be 18 and older. Volunteers work with students at their scheduled time during the school day, Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 2:30PM.

 

Are you interested in reading with students? Before you sign up, please consider the following:

  • The program runs from October through June (coinciding with the school year).

  • Participating elementary schools are in Teaneck and Hackensack.

  • You would be assigned one school and 2 or 3 students that you meet with each week on the same day, at the same time. The students are the same each week.

  • The weekly commitment is one hour.

  • All volunteers MUST complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting (done in Garfield). The schools will reimburse the volunteers. Details to follow - do not get fingerprinted now.

  • If you do significant traveling from October through June, then this is not the right volunteer opportunity for you.

  • All volunteers must complete one in-person training session at our office in Hackensack.

 

Bergen READS is ready for the 2025-2026 school year! Thank you to our returning and new volunteers for your commitment to building literacy skills and confidence in young learners.

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Sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay in the loop about Bergen READS volunteer opportunities. 

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For more information, contact Lisa Tredici

201.489.9454 - ext. 208 ltredici@bergenvolunteers.org

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