On Monday, August 31, the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau celebrated six new graduates.
These graduates, however, were not high school seniors. They were children ages 7 to 9 who had completed BGCP’s Read-to-Learn program, a specialized tutoring initiative focused on early literacy and foundational reading skills.
Read-to-Learn provides individualized tutoring for students in grades 1-3 who need additional support with reading. Local volunteers work one-on-one with students twice a week, tailoring instruction to each child’s reading level and needs. Some students remain in the program for one, two, or even three years as they build reading skills and confidence.
For the six students recognized in August, those years of effort were celebrated alongside their families, BGCP staff, and volunteers. During the banquet, each volunteer read a personalized letter to their student, reflecting on the journey they shared and the progress they witnessed.
In Jackson County, only 36.3 percent of third graders are proficient in reading, underscoring the need for strong literacy programs. In contrast, BGCP reports that 100 percent of students who complete Read-to-Learn reach grade-level reading within three years.
But the program’s impact extends beyond reading proficiency. For students who have struggled to keep pace with their peers, learning to read can also mean learning to believe in themselves.
“Not knowing how to read in comparison to your peers can really affect a child’s self-confidence, as well as their feeling that they can do things independently,” said Katie Harris, Education Director at the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau. “Read-to-Learn provides that confidence and resilience in the face of adversity. They learn,
‘Okay, I can do this. I can be independent. It’s just going to take work.’”
BGCP CEO Carmen Waite said the relationships built through Read-to-Learn are also an important part of that growth.
“These volunteers consistently show their students that there is someone in their corner who believes in them. They get to know them, encourage them, and celebrate every step forward. That constancy builds a level of trust and connection that makes a lasting difference in a child’s life,” Waite said.
If you’re interested in volunteering with the Read-to-Learn program at either the Cashiers or Highlands Club, contact Georgia McGaha at georgia@bgcplateau.org or (828) 743-2775 ext. 201.
The club offers programs focused on academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles. For more information, contact Kayla Deaton at (828) 743-2775, email kayla@bgcplateau.org, or visit bgcplateau.org.
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