By: Tina Houghton

The America Reads/America Counts (ARAC) work-study program saw significant growth this year, expanding both its reach and impact. The number of tutors increased substantially, from 10 in AY 2024–25 to 51 in AY 2025–26, allowing CCEL to better support local partners and meet growing community needs.

We also expanded our presence by adding a new site, bringing the total to four active community partner locations. This growth reflects both increased demand and stronger relationships with community organizations committed to youth academic success.

A major enhancement to the program was the addition of an AmeriCorps VISTA member, whose work supported recruitment, coordination, and overall program development. We are pleased to have secured funding for a second VISTA position for AY 2026–27, ensuring continued momentum and capacity-building.

In addition, we prioritized improvements to quality and engagement. Increased training opportunities for tutors better prepared students for their roles, while more consistent communication and collaboration with site supervisors strengthened on-site support. The implementation of assessment surveys for both tutors and site supervisors has created valuable feedback loops, helping us make ongoing improvements and foster a more cohesive and supportive program environment.

Together, these efforts have positioned ARAC for continued growth while enhancing the experience for both student tutors and community partners.