Toledo Nonprofit Seeks Volunteers for Literacy Program
Toledo nonprofit seeks volunteers for literacy program
Partners in Education (PIE) is seeking volunteers to work one-on-one with elementary students to boost literacy in Toledo-area schools.
The Toledo nonprofit, established in 1994, collaborates with schools to empower students with the skills they need to read, succeed and thrive in the future. Its literacy program, Mentors in Toledo Schools, operates in 11 Toledo-area schools and centers on students in kindergarten through third grade.
Nearly 40 percent of kindergarten students in Ohio were not on track to read at their grade level during the 2023-24 school year, according to the Ohio Department of Education’s K-4 Literacy Report. Partners in Education works to boost literacy and confidence in the students who struggle most with reading.
PIE’s literacy program has found success thanks to staff and 155 volunteers who provide one-on-one tutoring to students. They also act as mentors, building a trusted relationship with the students over the course of the school year.
During the 2024-25 school year, staff and volunteers served nearly 620 students and completed more than 12,000 tutoring sessions, said Brooke Schlageter, the group’s executive director.
“We care about building strong readers because it helps students take ownership of their future,” she said. “Fostering a love of reading is important, but beyond enjoying books, students need to know how to read critically—so they can do things like vote, interpret medical forms, and navigate the online world.”
PIE is currently recruiting volunteers and hiring paid part-time staff, Schlageter said.
Each school is assigned a coordinator who ensures the program is running smoothly and works with teachers to determine which students would benefit most from the program. Volunteer tutors, who receive training before being placed in a school, work with students during half-hour sessions to master letters and sounds, strengthen reading and comprehension, improve critical thinking skills, and more.
“Our volunteers find the experience to be highly rewarding,” Schlageter said. “They get to see their students grow not only academically but personally. They become confident in themselves and their reading abilities.”
Mentors in Toledo Schools Literacy Program details:
● Work one-on-one with K-3 students to strengthen reading skills.
● Programming runs Monday through Thursday, from 9 to 11:15 a.m. in Toledo-area elementary schools. Another option from 12:30 to 2:45 p.m. is also available.
● Flexible scheduling! Choose which days you wish to volunteer. Earn between one and eight volunteer hours per week.
● We provide training and materials. Training begins in August.
● Must be able to pass a background check.
Partners in Education empowers Toledo youth, one page at a time.
For those interested in learning more, call 419-242-2122, email [email protected], or visit partnerstoledo.org.
About Partners in Education
Partners in Education, in collaboration with community partners, brings evidence-based programs to Toledo-area schools to empower students with the skills they need to read, succeed, and thrive. It offers a Mentors in Toledo Schools Literacy Program and College & Career: Ready, Set, Go! Program.
Media Contact
Valerie Royzman
419-242-2122
www.partnerstoledo.org