In a world where the power of reading unlocks the doors to opportunity, Reading Power, Inc. is not just teaching children to read – it’s changing the plot and helping rewrite their futures. Established in Lake County in 2003, this nonprofit is on a mission to accelerate children’s literacy learning, and its impact is profound.
In its 20+ years operating in Lake County, Reading Power has developed 15 programs across 12 schools and provided individualized, high-dosage, one-to-one tutoring during the school day to more than 5,300 students in preschool through second grade.
During the 2023-2024 school year, an impressive 72% of Reading Power students met grade level expectations and increased an average of five book levels.
“Research consistently demonstrates that early reading intervention paves the way for long-term success, both in the classroom and in life,” says Lisa Bulzoni, CEO of Reading Power. “At Reading Power, mentorship is at the heart of what we do, providing students with the encouragement and support they need to thrive. The remarkable growth of our organization and the achievements of our students are living proof that this approach works. It’s truly fulfilling to contribute to shaping the next generation of leaders here in Lake County.”
Reading Power leverages Lake County’s spirit of collaboration and strong business community to provide individualized reading support, partnering with schools in North Chicago, Zion, and Waukegan. They also have a presence in Wheeling, Palatine, and Mount Prospect. The organization utilizes a volunteer-driven model, bringing together over 425 community members who are passionate about education and literacy.
“Reading Power is usually the highlight of the students’ day, as the one-to-one relationship with their caring tutor helps to build confidence and success,” notes Kristin Fine, Director of Programs. “Each lesson is individualized for the student’s skill level and learning style, helping students close learning gaps and reach grade-level benchmarks.”
Kathy McFarland, Reading Power’s Chairman and retired Abbott executive explains, “Lake County is well known for its top-ranked schools and talent pipeline. This program builds on that reputation by making sure that all children have equity in access to resources and opportunities. We have been proud to support our volunteers as they tutor in local schools; in turn, they have appreciated the chance to give back to the community in this unique way.”
Get involved in shaping the next generation of Lake County leaders by empowering local students to read. Click here to explore volunteer tutor opportunities, or make a donation to help purchase books, materials and resources for tutoring.