Partners intend to reach 300 children most seriously at risk for reading failure and in need of remediation. In Macon County, Illinois, according to the criteria in the 1990 census, 9.8 percent live at or below the poverty level. For children under the age of five, the rate climbs to 24.4 percent. Poverty diminishes the ability of many students to come to school ready to learn. RCC students include a number of non-traditional students, TANF clients and Welfare to Work participants.
Child care is offered while mothers attend classes.
Older children will receive 40 minutes of tutoring twice a week with the same tutor. Tutors will be asked to tutor a minimum of two hours each week. An extensive tutor recruitment program is planned to reach the goal of 300 reading tutors. Current tutors will be sent applications and information. Coordination with Millikin University's service learning program and RCC will reach students as potential tutors.