About VTCLC
The America Reads and America Counts programs are national campaigns that encourage every American to help children learn to read well and independently by the end of the third grade, while also moving toward developing literacy in mathematics. The Virginia Tech Community Literacy Corps actively participates in this effort by placing tutors in schools to help students achieve and surpass the goals of these programs.
Since the Literacy Corps formed in 1997, it has grown and become an active member in addressing the educational needs of local elementary and primary students in the New River Valley. We employ approximately eighty students that help tutor students in local schools that may be in need of individual attention and assistance. Our aim at the Literacy Corps is for our tutors to come alongside local schools and teachers in order to assist students in whatever academic capacity that we can. It is in this way that we strive to heighten the reading, math, and overall academic success of children in the local community.
In addition to tutor-based assistance, the Literacy Corps has events and outreach programs that are aimed at encouraging children to read and write. Our past programs have included Pen Pals, our publication of the Handwriting Magazine, and Reading Day. Please see the short descriptions of these programs as follows. If you have any further questions or comments that we can address for you regarding the Literacy Corps please contact us.
Pen Pals:
Each year the Literacy Corps puts on a program where Virginia Tech students enter into correspondence with participating schools and classes in the community. At the end of the school year, the Literacy Corps then hosts a Picnic Day so that pairs of Pen Pals can meet on another. If you would like to learn more about how your class or students can get involved with this unique program click here.
Handwriting Magazine:
The Literacy Corps encourages young authors in the local community to submit essays, artwork, poems, and short stories to then be considered for publication in the Virginia Tech Community Literacy Corps Hanwriting Magazine. Each contributing author will receive a complimentary copy for him or her to enjoy and share in their success with family and friends. To learn more about the Handwriting Magazine and how your class can become involved with this unique project, click here.
Reading Day
The Literacy Corps plans and hosts Reading Day. This special day is a unique way for local elementary school students to be encouraged about the joy of reading. Participating children engage in activities, make arts and crafts, and are given books as gifts from the Literacy Corps. Reading Day is a fun way that the Literacy Corps strives to get children exited about reading. If you would like to learn more about Reading Day, please click here.
If you have any additional questions about our programs and events or if you are interested in finding out how your school or class can get involved with the Literacy Corps, please submit an Interest Form or contact us.