Schools of Hope - Humboldt/Del Norte Counties

tutor reading         

When kids can't read, they can't succeed.

United Way of the Wine Country funds programs that increase child literacy rates, help close the achievement gap, and provides young adults with the skills and resources need to ensure a successful transition to adulthood. Currently in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties 55% of third grade students are reading below proficiency levels. This equals to 825 third grade students who are not reading at grade level.

In collaboration with the Decade of Difference: 2020 Initative, Schools of Hope is a comprehensive early literacy tutoring program with the goal of raising the third-grade reading proficiency to 90% by 2020 as a result of establishing strong reading skills. Education is the cornerstone of individual and community success. It's essential for getting and keeping a job with a livable wage and health benefits, and is fundamental to providing a community's educated work force that is essential to driving the economy.

One-on-one tutoring by trained community volunteers is the centerpiece to the strategy to increase early literacy. A child reading with an adult is one of the most effective ways to increase literacy levels.

During the first year of Schools of Hope in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties (the 2010-2011 school year):

  • 180 students in 11 high priority schools in Humboldt County received early literacy support through the program in kindergarten and first grade
  • 65 early literacy tutors were trained as volunteer tutors
  • 80 students in three participating schools in Del Norte participated in the Schools of Hope program, with 20 year literacy volunteer tutors
  • Volunteers tutored the same three students during the school year spending 20-30 minute sessions twice a week with each student
  • Some students also worked on their writing skills 

During the 2011-2012 school year, the goal is to recruit 100 tutors to serve 300 students at 19 schools. You can help us reach this goal!

Become a Volunteer Tutor
Responsibilities of a Schools of Hope volunteer tutor include:

  • A commitment to a minimum of 1 hour per week during the school year, but more is better (and even more  rewarding). There will also be a pool of substitute tutors available when necessary.
  • Attend one 2-hour tutor training on literacy skills and strategies
  • Assist children in reading, writing and other literacy based skills starting with kindergarteners
  • Complete a tutor log following each session
  • Direct questions to the volunteer coordinator at your school

To learn more about becoming a tutor in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, contact Diana Hight from the Humboldt County Office of Education at 707.445.7074 or by email at dhight@humboldt.k12.ca.us.


Humboldt and Del Norte Counties Schools of Hope Partners
United Way of the Wine Country
Decade of Difference, 2020 Initiative
Humboldt County Office of Education
Del Norte County Office of Education

News Items / Materials
Schools of Hope / Decade of Difference Fact Sheet - 2011
Times-Standart Article - "See Spot Run"
Article - Decade of Difference: 2020 Initiative and Schools of Hope Literacy Program
Schools of Hope Informational Sheet - Humboldt/Del Norte
Schools of Hope Brochure
Schools of Hope Poster - Humboldt/Del Norte
Schools of Hope Postcard - Humboldt/Del Norte