By Claire Weindling, GCDS class of 2025
The Greenwich United Way’s program, Reading Champions, promotes growth and learning for its volunteers and students alike. Reading Champions aims to improve literacy rates in Greenwich Public Schools’ elementary students through one-on-one weekly tutoring sessions, fostering a comforting space for young students to benefit from additional academic support outside the classroom.
Joan Lowe, a beloved Greenwich Public School teacher and guidance counselor, founded Reading Champions in 2008.
Reading Champions, New Lebanon School. Photo: Cecile Meunier
She recognized the community’s need for volunteer-driven early literacy support and the win-win opportunity it could offer. Originally based at North Mianus School, the program began with just eight volunteers and 24 students.
Over the past decade, Reading Champions has grown significantly and is now offered in all 11 elementary schools within the Greenwich Public School System, with five after-school program sessions at BANC at New Lebanon, Boys & Girls Club, Julian Curtiss School, Greenwich YMCA, and Greenwich YWCA.
Reading Champions, YWCA. Photo: Taylor Messina
Reading Champions, YWCA. Photo: Taylor Messina
“As a constant partner with GPS, Reading Champions has evolved and expanded, adapted to the needs of its students,” said Greenwich United Champions program manager Cecile Meunier.
Across 2023-2024, Reading Champions brought together 120 volunteers dedicated to working with the nearly 350 students during the school year in addition to summer support at the YMCA.
The program has continued to expand, now involving over 150 volunteers with a continual need to welcome more to the team. These volunteers are not limited to education professionals; they also include local community members committed to strengthening academic skills in Greenwich’s youth.
Reading Champions, YWCA. Photo: Taylor Messina
Reading Champions benefits not only its students but also its volunteers. Volunteering with Reading Champions has become popular among Greenwich’s teens, offering older students a rewarding opportunity to connect with the next generation of young learners. The connections formed between teenage mentors and students are reflected in students’ academic growth and volunteers’ eagerness to see them each week. Greenwich Country Day high school student and Reading Champions volunteer Cielle Presutti has found the program incredibly impactful and rewarding.
“I have been able to connect with different members and students in my community, and it just feels really great to know I am able to help younger students grow and acquire important skills,” said Presutti.
Her experience reflects similar sentiments shared by many others who have volunteered with this initiative.
The Reading Champions program has proven to be an indispensable resource for students in need of extra academic support and volunteers who strongly value the importance of their mentoring role. As the program continues to expand both in students and volunteers, its dedication to improving literacy skills and building connections across different generations remains strong. Through its unwavering commitment to building academic excellence, Reading Champions continues to empower Greenwich students, creating a community in which each student has the tools to succeed academically.