Educational Programs

Put the exercise shoes aside for a moment and enjoy another side of the Y with a myriad of educational programs.  These programs will vary by branch but may include everything from beginning guitar to acting basics to adult arts & crafts to teen performing arts.  Get set for some cerebral inspiration!

Classes and programs are seasonal, check our brochure for details.

YMCA Literacy Programs

Reading Tutoring for Youth

Overview

The YRead program matches youth who are struggling with reading with tutors who will help them improve their skills.  Tutors and students meet twice weekly in local libraries for a period of 1 year.  Students completing the program have consistently shown a growth of 1.5 reading levels or more for the last 10 years of the program.

Enrolling a Student

Parents who are interested in enrolling their child in the YRead program should contact Kathy at 314-776-7102.  To be eligible for tutoring, students must show a deficit of one year or more between their current reading skills and their age indicated grade level.  Income guidelines also apply for the program.  Preference is given to families at 200% the federal poverty level or lower and family income should not exceed 400% of the federal poverty level.

Becoming a Tutor

All of our tutors are volunteers.  If you are interested in helping one of the children on our waiting list improve his/her reading skills, please contact Kathy at 314-776-7102 or kadkisson@ymcastlouis.org.  Training is provided to all new tutors on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Our next scheduled training sessions are June 12th, August 14th, October 9th and December 4th.

Resources for Tutors

Currently tutoring a student through our program and need some new lesson ideas?  Contact Michelle at 314-776-7102 or mpeeler@ymcastlouis.org.

For a great resource for teaching specific reading skills, go to the Florida Center for Reading Research at www.fcrr.org.