SU program looks to improve childhood literacy through mentorship

Spectrum News package: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/education/2026/03/09/reading-partners-syracuse-university-literacy-program

Nearly half of New York students failed to be considered "proficient" in English based on New York state exams, according to the state education department’s yearly report for public schools.

Tackling this issue early, Ed Smith Elementary School in Syracuse is partnering with Syracuse University and community volunteers for "Reading Partners," a program that focuses on building children’s confidence and literacy skills through mentorship.

"I hope it’s been great for the kids, too," said masters student Macks Cook. "I know it’s been wonderful engaging with them on their interest, with reading and drawing and learning new stories and learning about new places."

The idea is to get children excited about reading.

"We have amazing teachers here at Ed Smith who do so much, but they don’t often have the time to read one on one with students," said Ashley Kennard, president of the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization. "And we also have an amazing community full of people who are willing and able to come in and work with these students."

Sarah Workman, with the SU College of Arts and Sciences, says she understands the important role volunteers play in this program.

"When we have volunteers coming in repeatedly to read with kids, they really develop that connecting and get to know the student, the kindergartener student. And it’s really awesome," Workman said. "And they go above and beyond."

Cook says it’s been great getting out into the community and giving back.

"As a Syracuse University student, sometimes it can feel like it’s a bubble, like we’re separate from the students and the people that are really living here and making this place so great to live in," Cook said. "And it’s great to sort of get out of that bubble and get to meet [and] interact with so many people."