This program focuses on early literacy skills and provides support to struggling students in partnership with the Tempe Elementary School District. Students in kindergarten through third grade who have tested below benchmark standards in reading for their grade level receive one-on-one tutoring from highly-trained, older adult volunteers twice a week during the school year. Tempe Experience Corps volunteers have helped more than 3,000 at-risk students reach grade-level reading benchmarks since the city’s program was established in 2006.
Early Grade Success
Mesa K-Ready
This community collaborative, led by Mesa Public Schools Early Learning Department in partnership with the City of Mesa and Mesa Foundation, provides early learning opportunities for three- and four-year-old children and their parents. Focused on cognitive development, social-emotional learning, and strong families, the program ensures seamless access to existing resources and enrichment activities. Parent training sessions support families in preparing their preschool students for kindergarten. Held bimonthly on Wednesdays at Lowell and Stevenson Elementary Schools, parent training sessions often include giveaways where families receive items such as computers, backpacks, and bikes.
Tempe PRE
In 2017 the Tempe City Council allocated $6 million for 20 preschool classrooms now located in 12 elementary schools and serving approximately 360 children. This high-quality, tuition-based, full-day preschool program is open to families living or working in Tempe and neighboring cities. The program is five days a week with schedules corresponding to those of the individual elementary schools. Benefits include small class sizes, a play-based curriculum, and certified teachers. Financial assistance — including full tuition, half-tuition, and free tuition — is available to qualified families.
Marana Cares Mobile
The Marana Cares Mobile navigates the streets of the community, offering nutritious meals, Chromebooks, and literacy activities to students during school breaks and the summer months so that students are better prepared to return to school ready to learn.
