CAREER GUIDANCE INSTITUTE

For the past 15 years I have been involved with the Career Guidance Institute and their Albuquerque Reads program, where we tutor kindergarten students to help them learn how to read. The program is very well organized and we have a large positive impact on around 150 students each year. We work with two students, one at a time, for most of the school year and we get to see their progress in developing literacy skills. It is the most rewarding volunteer work that I have ever done!

I have been involved with the program from its very beginning, and have participated as a volunteer at Bel Air Elementary for 14 of the 15 years that the program has existed. Absolutely the most rewarding volunteer work I have ever done! Seeing the progress that these kindergarteners make in learning how to read is just remarkable. The smiles on their faces as they gain confidence tells me that we are doing some really good things with the program!

I have volunteered for Albuquerque Reads for 7 years. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The kids are wonderful and watching them learn and gain confidence during the year is immensely gratifying.

I have volunteered with the Albuquerque Reads, Atrisco, program for 11 years (since I retired). It is the most rewarding thing I have done since retiring. It is rewarding for the students, but also for the volunteers. Each year I have seen the children's growth in their abilities. I have worked with physically handicapped, children with learning disabilities, and ESL children, and each and every one has progressed by the end of kindergarten. The leaders these past few years, Gayle and Marcia, are terrific and keep the volunteers informed every week via email. Great and very effective program. It is unfortunate that it is not at all schools, or at least all schools in lower socio-economic areas. I will volunteer with this program as long as I am able. Thank you. Veronica Monthan

I am starting my fourth year volunteering with Albuquerque Reads at Atrisco Elementary. This is one of the most fulfilling, best-organized volunteer positions I have participated in during my long volunteer life. We work with the same two students all year and watch them learn and grow each week. The kindergarteners are very appreciative and fun to work with. The supervising teachers are well-prepared, positive and supportive. I would encourage any adult with a few hours a week to volunteer to consider this opportunity.

I have worked and volunteered for several non-profits, and Albuquerque Reads is the best. It is very organized, and volunteer time is used very efficiently. Best of all, you see results! If you can make it to the tutoring sessions regularly, you see your students grow. Even when my students are trouble-makers, it's all worthwhile at the end of the school year when you know how much you helped. I will definitely be back next year. Thanks!