“I always loved English [class] because whatever human beings are, we are storytellers. It is our stories that give a light to the future.” - Nikki Giovanni
“My Read Alliance story is that I was made a believer that this program of one-to-one teenage students tutoring could make such a big impact in k-2 grade students improving their reading, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and confidence to up their reading levels. At PS 151K, we are a Dual Language and Special needs school and truly believe that all students are capable of
success. Many of our students were struggling with reading and the English language. My wonderful Principal, Jayne Hunt worked with [Read Alliance] before and knew of its success. So we included it as an afterschool program where students got an extra 45 minutes of reading with their one-to-one teen tutors. We had two sessions because our need was grand. The young students connected with their tutors and took the process very seriously, seeing the rewards and the fun the program brought to learning to read. I have been supervising this program for more than 8 years at PS 151K, and the classroom teachers have been amazed at the improvement in their students' reading skills. [READ] is truly beneficial and I would highly recommend it to any school. Trust me, you will see a difference in your students’ reading and interest in reading. The Read Alliance staff is very helpful and supportive. The program goes throughout the school year and if you are lucky, a summer program too, so your students don't fall into that summer slide. A true life changing program with nothing but success. The company provides all the books and materials you will need and give you reliable teen leads.”
- Ms. Carolyn Alliers, PS 151K Read Alliance Supervising Teacher /UFT ELA Coach
“Read Alliance has been transformative for our family in ways we never could have imagined. My son started tutoring with Read Alliance in the summer of 2024, and the experience has had an incredible impact on him. It wasn’t just his first job—it was a gateway to invaluable life lessons. Through this opportunity, he learned the
importance of showing up, being punctual, and fulfilling commitments. But more than that, it gave him a sense of purpose and pride that we hadn’t seen in him before.
One moment that stood out was when his partner teacher praised his efforts—it gave him a huge boost of confidence. He has especially connected with one of the students he tutors, as they share a similar family story and a love of comics. This bond has been incredibly meaningful to him and has deepened his sense of responsibility and empathy. Because of his experience with Read Alliance, my son is now considering a career in teaching, something that fills us with pride and gratitude. We are so thankful to Read Alliance, not only for its dedication to helping young readers thrive but also for the incredible opportunities it provides to Teen Leaders like my son.”
- Laura Hamm, Mom of Teen Leader & READ Alliance Event Planner
“I worked with Read Alliance as a peer tutor in my sophomore year of high school. It was my first job and my first time working as a tutor. As an elementary student, I also utilized and benefitted from a reading enrichment program, so it meant a lot to be able to help develop a new generation of readers. In the beginning, I was nervous about whether I would be able to manage working while being a student, and the responsibility of being a
tutor to a young student. My anxiety was dispelled during orientation due to the professionalism of the Read Alliance staff, specifically the program manager Lori-Ann Bramwell, and their assurance to prepare the tutors to be able to efficiently help the students. I was placed at P.S. 155, and from day one I was able to form a connection and bond with the students. By the end of the program, I saw their reading skills increase tremendously, which was fulfilling. I even received a beautiful card of appreciation from my tutee that I still keep to this day!”
-Chioma Dike, Former Teen Leader
“One of my favorite memories from my time with Read Alliance was working with a girl in Kindergarten who started off really shy and unsure of herself. At the beginning of the program, she barely spoke during our sessions. She kept her eyes on the book, whispered when reading, and seemed nervous to make mistakes. Even though she was quiet, I could tell she had a real interest in stories. I focused on creating a space where she felt safe and supported. I celebrated every small win whether it was her sounding out a tricky word or finishing a full sentence.
Little by little, she began to open up. She started speaking more, asking questions, and reading louder with more confidence. By the end of the program, she had completely blossomed. She would run up to me excited to start reading and often asked if we could read extra books together. Watching her transformation from a hesitant reader to someone who loved books and believed in herself was incredibly inspiring.
That experience reminded me of how powerful Read Alliance can be. It’s not just about helping kids read, it’s about helping them grow.”
-Mabel D., Teen Leader
"I was filled with immense pride watching my student level up in her reading abilities. Each word she confidently spoke felt like a small victory. Witnessing her growth from hesitant attempts to fluent reading was truly inspiring. As she began to open up more, shedding the quiet shell she once hid behind, I saw not just academic progress but personal transformation. Her smile grew brighter with each achievement, and I felt honored to be a part of her journey. Moments like these remind me why I love supporting and uplifting others.” - Kaylynn S
-Kaylynn s., Teen Leader
“Watching the student that I was working with improve over time made a deep impact on me because helping that student made me feel joy and happiness on the inside. Reading is not an easy thing to do and many people struggle with it, so being able to experience that student’s improvement made me very proud of that student and very proud of myself.”