Help kids foster a love for reading.
The United Way of the Midlands Reading Community (MRC) was formed to increase the number of children reading at grade level at the start of fourth grade.
By engaging our volunteer community readers to read with students throughout the school year, these consistent one-on-one interactions help to build comprehension, literacy, and vocabulary skills. The program supports Richland, Lexington, Fairfield, Orangeburg & Newberry counties.
We make it easy:
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No experience necessary!
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Simple training
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30 minutes weekly
MRC Offerings
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One-on-One Reading Sessions: A volunteer who reads with a designated student for at least 16 weeks throughout the school year.
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Guest Readers: A volunteer who reads virtually or in person to prekindergarten through third grade classes during holiday themed events or special school-oriented events.
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Book Donations: Ongoing opportunities for individuals or companies to donate grade- level appropriate books to help build MRC students at home libraries.
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Summer Reading Camps: Upon request, MRC staff and volunteers help elementary school students across the Midlands through 1-on-1 Reading Sessions at summer reading camps
Sponsor MRC
Questions?
Contact:
Becky Morrison
Community Engagement Director
bmorrison@uway.org
803.733.5419
Volunteer Testimonial
"What a difference this program makes."
Richland County Librarian Heather McCue talks about what she gets out of volunteering for the Midlands Reading Consortium.
Don't have time? Or can't volunteer this year? Considering donating to United Way’s education initiatives at www.uway.org/donate. Please indicate “MRC” for your donation.
Library of Services
Last year, United Way supporters helped 600 elementary students improve their reading skills through the Midlands Reading Consortium (MRC). United Way has programs like MRC because 35 percent of children in our community entering fourth grade are not reading on grade level — and those who aren’t are four times less likely to graduate on time. United Way provides these children a champion, as well as a safe place to learn, after-school activities, mentors, books and summer programs to keep them on track to graduate and have a successful life.