Become a Fellow

A Year of Service Can Make a Lifetime of Difference

Become a Reading Assist Fellow and spend a school year helping young readers build the skills they need to succeed.

As a fellow, you’ll work with K–3 students in high-need schools who are struggling most with reading. With your support, one more child can gain confidence, make progress, and move forward on a path to reading success.

Why Serve

Help a Child Learn to Read

Students who are still struggling to read by the end of third grade are more than twice as likely to drop out of high school, while low-income students are more than five times as likely not to complete high school. Children need to reach reading proficiency early in their educational journey so they are not left behind.

Change a Life

As a Reading Assist Fellow, you’ll help transform students facing significant reading challenges into successful readers.

Grow Your Career While Giving Back

Serve a year with Reading Assist and gain invaluable skills and experience.

Teaching experience
Opportunity to work in a high-needs school setting
Graduate-level credit opportunities

Mentoring from experienced coaches
Professional connections in education, public policy, and nonprofit sectors
Professional exposure

How It Works

Fellow Reflections

Join a School Team
“Mya’s willingness to jump right in and support our students has been truly wonderful! She is always walking through the halls with a smile and genuine excitement to work with our kindergarten and first-grade students. Mya consistently asks thoughtful questions and reflects on her practice to ensure she is providing the very best support for her students. We are so lucky to have her here at Morris!”
Morris Early Childhood
Experience the Breakthroughs
“In my three years, I have particularly enjoyed those ‘breakthrough moments’ when a student suddenly ‘gets it’ and blending becomes natural and patterns emerge and they can really read. I love it when they read a book and want to immediately read it again because it’s really the first book that they’ve read with true comprehension and enjoyment. A door has opened for them—I love it!”
Kathy
Be Someone Students Count On
“Kyle is always positive and works well with all of his students. He consistently cheers them on and creates an encouraging, supportive environment. The students genuinely look forward to seeing him each day, which speaks volumes about the connections he builds and the impact he has on the students he works with.”
East Goshen Elementary
Launch a New Career
“I have learned so much while being with Reading Assist. I have also found my passion and what I want to do for the rest of my life. I enjoy teaching very much and Reading Assist has given me the materials and support in order to achieve my career goal.”
Scarlet
Get the Support You Need
“I feel that my manager checks in often and that I have the support that I need to best serve as a fellow. Our training prior to our service, I felt, was also so beneficial and helped me transition into the expectations and the procedures of this role.”
Jezzelle

Fellow Spotlight

“Forever is an amazing asset to Spring Academy. Her cool and calm demeanor allows students to be focused and confident during tutoring. Our school community appreciates her flexibility with constant space changes, schedule changes, and caseload changes. She always tries to find solutions and never gives up on the pursuit of helping our students become the best readers they can be. Forever has helped her students become more confident readers and students! We are so happy she is part of our school community.”
KIPP Spring Academy
Washington, DC
“Watching my first grader progress and test out of the program has been my high point. In just four months, he went from being afraid of opening a book to actively asking what the next book is that he is going to read.”
Mark
Reading Assist Fellow
“This is the most rewarding work experience I have ever had. It is an honor and privilege to make a difference in and be a part of these children’s lives in such a positive and powerful way.”
Joseph
Reading Assist Fellow
“Charmaine, your smile is infectious and your hard work is commendable! Thank you for all that you do!”
Edgmont Scholars Academy
Chester, PA
“Last year when my students made a video saying why they love me. Really solidified why it’s all worth it.”
Tiara
Reading Assist Fellow