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Become a H.U.G. Reading Mentor

Mentors Make a Difference

We are thrilled you want to volunteer to be a reading mentor at H.U.G. Prepare to laugh, share stories and brighten a child's day while helping a child who truly wants to read.

Next, complete the Reading Mentor Form and Training Session Scheduler below. We'll send out a follow up email where you'll learn more and ask questions!  

Become a H.U.G. Reading Mentor Form

Welcome to the H.U.G. Reading Program!

Basic Qualifications

What Can I Expect from Mentor Training?

  • Sessions range from 9am - 6pm EST, Monday through Friday 

  • ​Consistent hours from week to week 

  • Semesterly-based schedule

  • Choose which session times work for your schedule

 During Mentoring Sessions

  • Sessions range from 30 minutes to 1 hour

  • Mentors arrive 15 minutes before students 

  • Once assigned to a student in a Zoom breakout room, mentors use our curated, step-by-step lesson

  • Our friendly staff is there to help with any tech issues or questions before, during, and after your session(s)

Why Join H.U.G.?

  • Make an impact in a child's life

  • Gain experience in education, literacy intervention, and virtual tutoring

  • Be a part of a supportive community of educators and volunteers

  • Ability to read at a 4th-grade level or higher

  • At least 17 years old or older

  • Willingness to learn and use technology (such as Zoom and our H.U.G. Classroom)

  • Access to a computer with a camera

  • Able to abide by our H.U.G. Code of Ethics

  • Passionate about helping children with reading ​​

  • 2-4 hours of guided instruction on the H.U.G. process

    • Technology training​

    • H.U.G. fidelity training

    • Trauma-informed care

  • Live Q&A session(s)​

  • A training guide to help you during tutoring sessions​

  • A certificate to signify completion of mentor training 

Mentorship Hours

College Students:

If you sign up to volunteer to be a reading mentor, you will receive service hours and a certificate

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WHY YOU SHOULD BE THE DIFFERNCE?

Preventing School-to-Prison Pipeline

What is School-to-Prison Pipeline?

The School-to-Prison Pipeline is when students are taken out of their educational environment for disciplinary policies and put into the juvenile system. The schools get in contact with law enforcement and send kids to juvie. 

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How to Prevent School-to-Prison Pipeline from Happening?

This nationwide issue can be prevented with programs like ours. HUG helps students catch up on their reading so that they won’t fall behind or fall into this system where they are being set up for failure. Be the difference and take social responsibility for your community today and sign up to be a reading mentor. 

Why Volunteer?

"Research shows that building relationships with students is an effective strategy to increase reading aptitude and achievement. Additionally, the persona connection you will have with a student is a priceless gift to both the tutor and the leader.

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If you are thinking, "I am not sure if I can teach a child to read." No worries, the H.U.G. Program will equip you with the research-based training you need to ensure the growth and success of each student. As the principal of Dunn Elementary, I can testify that this program is authentic. Giving a small amount of your time makes a tremendous difference in developing lifelong readers!"

Want to learn more?

Volunteer reading mentors are H.U.G.’s most valuable resource. You will learn how to deliver the curriculum and how to reinforce our BE THE DIFFERENCE™ messaging to your student. Volunteers are asked to commit to a full school year with a student in order to provide that student with consistent support.

 

Mentors spend approximately 1.5 hours per week from September through April volunteering to support an assigned student. This does not include school holidays. Click on the link to find out more…

Have a group of volunteers?
Become a H.U.G. Partner!

H.U.G. Partnerships are ideal for groups of individuals who want to make a positive impact in the lives of children. We offer a variety of options and would love to come and talk with you about the best option for your organization. To learn more, click on the box that best applies and contact us to schedule a time chat. We will work with you to establish the best partnership possible.

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