Reading Partners announced it will now be an option for Union elementary students, both in-person and virtually. 

"I'm excited to sit next to a student, to read with them and really support them on their journey to learning to read," said Heather Kawlra, Reading Partners Tulsa Executive Director. 

Reading Partners announced its expansion to the Union School District Monday, offering both virtual and in-person sessions. That means 200 students at Roy Clark, Grove, McAuliffe and Peters Elementary schools will have one-on-one time with volunteers to help develop their reading skills. 

"Most kids are actually just really excited to have this one-on-one attention from an adult who's giving up time in their day to come help them learn,” said Kawlra. 

Reading Partners said COVID-19 has caused many interruptions over the last year and a half, and some students are feeling those impacts in the classroom. 

"We found that students in low-income communities are three times more likely to have deficits and to fall behind specifically in their reading as a result to virtual learning, " said Kawlra. 

Executive Director Heather Kawlra said that's why this tutoring expansion is so important to make sure all students get the help they need. 

"We know that if kids don't get these specific skills, they're going to have gaps that will show up for them later in life. After fourth grade, they stop teaching those,” said Kawlra. 

Kawlra said this program can be life changing for students, but it's not possible without volunteers. 

"We need volunteers. Our goal is to serve over 1,400 hundred students in the Tulsa community this year, but we can't do it without the help of the help of 1,700 community volunteers," said Kawlra.  

You can learn more at ReadingPartners.org/volunteer.