Annika Olson serves as an Assistant Director of Policy Research at the University of Texas at Austin’s Institute for Urban Policy and Research Analysis, whose mission is to “strengthen Black communities, promote social justice, and combat anti-Black racism using a racial equity framework.” Read on to learn how her experience as a Literacy First tutor […]
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Blog
Community Comes Together for 26th Annual Swearing In Ceremony
For the 26th consecutive year, Literacy First welcomed a new cohort of AmeriCorps members to the program with an inspiring Swearing In Ceremony. More than 50 tutors officially pledged a year of service at the Thompson Conference Center on Monday, September 9th. Dr. Mary Ellen Isaacs, Literacy First Director, opened the ceremony with a message on the persistent […]
Read MoreSetting the Benchmark Higher
For more than six years, Literacy First has been proud to count Benchmark Bank as a dedicated corporate partner. The homegrown business has provided immeasurable time, talent and treasure to the program, including acting as a founding sponsor of the young professional-planned fundraiser “The Study Social”. Since its inception in 2014, the event has grown […]
Read MoreAlumni Spotlight: Johnathan Salinas
Johnathan Salinas was studying Music Performance at Texas State before joining Literacy First. He’s now a first-grade teacher. In this Alumni Q&A, he talks about how the program gave him the “strong foundation” he needed to begin a career in education. What were you doing before joining Literacy First?Before joining Literacy First, I was finishing […]
Read MoreCelebrating Uniqueness with Author Jennifer Lynch
When asked to give a synopsis of her new children’s book, Livi & Grace, in one sentence, author Jennifer Lynch pauses thoughtfully. After a few moments of reflection, she relays what she writes when signing a copy – “Love your uniqueness.” It’s clear that Jennifer’s brief hesitation is due to her deep, personal connection with […]
Read MorePartnering with BookSpring to Prevent the Summer Reading “Slide”
Literacy First tutors dedicate thousands of hours each year teaching students to read. However, research has shown that during summer vacation, 80 percent of students from economically disadvantaged communities lose reading skills. Literacy First is proud to partner with BookSpring to help mitigate that loss through the Summer Success program. Summer Success includes STEAM-themed teacher lesson plans and books, parent […]
Read MoreLittle Humans of Literacy First
A portrait series by 2018-2019 Literacy First Tutor Maya Gordon.
Read MoreAlumni Spotlight: Johanna (Bolado) Guerrero
Many Literacy First tutors go on to become teachers and educators after their year(s) of service. Former tutor Johanna credits her experience in the program with helping her realize she would be one of them.
Read MoreAlumni Spotlight: Codi Tranel
Meet Codi, a former Literacy First tutor whose most memorable student began unable to write his name. His progress with the program helped influence Codi’s career path.
Read MoreA Diploma, a Lot of Hope, and Other Random Things I Could Fit in a Duffle Bag
Literacy First tutors come from many different backgrounds, hometowns and life stages, and each of their paths to AmeriCorps service is unique. One of the utmost priorities of Literacy First is making sure every single one of our tutors finds community and a strong system of support, both leading up to and during their service […]
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