Metropolitan State students help children “Read! Read! Read!”

- Matthew Schmittdiel

Metropolitan State University is a lot of things to a lot of different people. To some it is an exemplary university; others see it as the building connected to the library. Whatever the case may be, Metropolitan State offers opportunities to students and community members in countless ways, abiding the mission to provide “unwavering commitment to civic engagement.” Located at the heart of Metropolitan State is the Center for Community-Based Learning. They coordinate a number of programs to further this overall vision for Metropolitan State. The “Read! Read! Read!” program is one of the best examples.

In 2002, St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly stated the goal of his Capitol City Education Initiative. The goal is to “have every child reading independently by the third grade.” The education of today’s children is one of the “most powerful economic development tools that St. Paul has.” “Read! Read! Read!” is one of the cornerstones upon which this initiative rests. The program also services some Minneapolis public schools as well as Hosmer Library.

Through the “Read! Read! Read!” Program, Metropolitan State students serve as literacy tutors. The sessions are private.

The student application form to become a part of the program states that tutors will be working with children who “face significant language and literacy challenges.” Tutoring experience is preferred although training sessions are given at the beginning of the program. The time commitment is not great (just one semester) and tutors work one day per week. When applying, tutors indicate which days they would like to work and can also indicate which location works best for them. Metropolitan State then coordinates with a number of different schools in St. Paul and Minneapolis. Applicants should be aware that they are not automatically entitled to their preferences, though they may get one of the locations that they have listed.

Metropolitan State students in the program can apply their time as college credit, depending on the student’s major. If a student qualifies for federal work study, they can even be paid for their time. The opportunities provided by “Read! Read! Read!” are excellent for child and tutor alike.

Students who wish to tutor as a part of “Read! Read! Read!” should download the application form that can be found at the Center for Community Based Learning’s Web site, http://www.metrostate.edu/ccbl/. The earlier in the semester that a student turns the application in, the better; students may be more likely to get their preferred dates and locations. A social security number is needed for a required background check. If the application is approved, the student is sent a written response indicating so. Training is mandatory.

Students should contact the CCBL office at (651)793-1285 to inquire about training dates. The staff will gladly assist students in the application process as well as provide further information about “Read! Read! Read!”