Learn United's Real Men Read Project

A community effort to improve the reading skills of children across Allen County

Apply to Volunteer

To apply to volunteer and to learn more about Real Men Read, click the links below. Feel free to forward them to anyone who might be interested in this valuable program.

 • Real Men Read application (.pdf)  • Real Men Read fact sheet (.pdf)

For more volunteer opportunities at schools and after school sites, visit www.LearnUnited.org. Questions? Contact: Jamie Garwood; jamieg@uwacin.org or Lisa Jones; lisaj@uwacin.org; 260.422.4776

We Have a Gap to Fill

Young children spend their early grade school years "learning to read." By 3rd grade, they are "reading to learn." Children reading below grade level by 3rd grade often struggle through — out their entire lives—without intervention, 74% never catch up. The difference between the children who can read at grade—level and those who can't is known among educators as the 3rd grade reading gap. United Way of Allen County is going to close that gap.

The effects of the 3rd grade reading gap are felt throughout our entire community—economically, socially, and culturally—now and in the long run. More than 1,000 Allen County children every year are not meeting third grade reading standards, regardless of ethnicity or gender. Additionally, 40% of all low-income 3rd graders are not passing 3rd grade standards. To eliminate poverty in our community, it is crucial that our children are good readers.

United Way of Allen County has launched a new initiative called Learn United to rally the support of community members, educators, families and more to improve the reading skills of young children across Allen County. Helping children learn starts with early pre-natal care and continues through early childhood and school-age levels.

Improving the reading skills of all of Allen County's young children is a big job, but we can accomplish it if we unite our efforts. We invite everyone in the community to join us in this effort. Whether you can volunteer your time, help spread the word, or donate a few dollars, you’re giving the gift of a good education. A gift that lasts a lifetime.