Governor Gary Locke, Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson and the State Legislature created the Washington Reading Corps in 1998 to help kindergarten through sixth graders who need help in reading. The Washington Reading Corps represents a unique collaboration among schools, community groups, and businesses.

Strong reading skills are essential to a student's success in virtually all areas of learning. We know that students who cannot read by the end of the third grade will continue to fall behind in school, and we must help kids before this happens.

We know that tutoring works! Each year thousands of Washingtonians like you are helping struggling readers reach grade level in reading. We need your help to continue and expand this dynamic effort that is successfully helping students to boost vocabulary and reading comprehension. Together we are preparing them to meet the challenges of higher levels of learning and achievement.