This year, the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid celebrates 20 years of partnership with America Reads/America Counts, a federal work-study program in which University of Nebraska–Lincoln students work in elementary classrooms within Lincoln Public Schools.

In 1996, the Clinton administration launched America Reads to enlist “one million volunteer tutors” for a national literacy campaign. With assistance from the National Science Foundation, the campaign expanded to include math assistance in 1997.

The program, now known as America Reads/America Counts, strives to increase the reading levels and mathematics understanding of local children from pre-K to 5th grade, increase university students’ involvement in the community and strengthen the partnership between the university and the local community.

In 1999, Nebraska students started working with America Reads/America Counts at four Lincoln elementary schools. Today, the university has expanded the program and now partners with seven schools across the city, both in classrooms during the regular school day and in before- and after-school programs.

“At Nebraska, it’s rewarding to know our students are partnering with local classroom educators to support our next generation of students —helping them grow flexible, nimble and strong minds,” said Amber Williams, assistant vice chancellor. “It’s one of the reasons why America Reads/America Counts will continue to be a part of a long-standing institutional commitment to our community.”

The Federal Work-Study program provides part-time jobs during the academic year for students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and who must earn a part of their educational expenses.

Megan Groth, a sophomore speech-language pathology major, works with students at Saratoga Elementary. Groth learned she was eligible for work-study starting her freshman year when she received her financial aid package. A letter about job opportunities from America Reads/America Counts prompted her to apply during the first week of classes.

“I am very focused on academics and didn’t want a job to overshadow that,” Groth said. “I knew that I wanted to put school first and an on-campus job provides that.”

Students who want to participate in the America Reads/America Counts program must be work-study eligible and apply and interview with Lincoln Public Schools staff at the start of the fall semester.

“Each year, we accept about 100 UNL students into the America Reads / America Counts program to serve as tutors in the LPS schools,” said Justin Chase Brown, director of Scholarships and Financial Aid. “The students go through the interview process and work with the program just like any other job.”

Typically, in a federal work-study job, 70% of the student wages comes from the work-study while 30% comes from the university. But, through America Reads/America Counts, 100% of the student wages come from Federal Work-Study funds.

“Everyone who participates in America Reads/America Counts benefits,” said Brown. “The program provides funding to help our students who have financial need earn money and get work experience while the LPS elementary students get one-on-one academic assistance—it’s a win win.” Brown added, “Our tutors have come from a variety of majors and backgrounds and have enjoyed this fulfilling work experience while they are in college.”

Over the past 20 years, more than 1,500 UNL students have worked as tutors with America Reads/America Counts and have earned over $2.4 million in federal work-study funds, which supports student wages.

“As a speech path major, I get to work with kindergarten and first grade students while they’re still developing their sounds. Being able to listen to the words they’re saying and think, I cannot wait to help you,” Groth said. “It is so rewarding knowing that like I am helping younger students, I just love it.”

For more information about UNL’s America Reads/America Counts program, contact Justin Chase Brown.