SALISBURY — For the last 40 years, the Rowan County Literacy Council has served Rowan County adults by providing programs such as Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language. The programs have been successful largely because of the dedication of over 40 volunteer tutors each year.

Recent statistics have shown that the percentage of Salisbury adults with a college degree has not moved in the past 16 years, remaining at 23.5 percent, while North Carolina has seen an increase from 22.5 percent to 27.8 percent. Statistics like these have led the Rowan County Literacy Council to expand its outreach by providing additional support for the community’s youth.

The organization has decided to first offer this program to current third-graders due to third grade being one of the most pivotal years in a child’s education. Children who struggle with literacy at this stage tend to fall further behind their peers as time passes and are four times more likely than proficient readers to leave school without a diploma.

We will be offering services to 10 third-graders this school year at Hurley Elementary, but we need additional volunteers to make that happen. Volunteers will be asked to meet with their assigned student at least once per week during school hours to work specifically on literacy. All materials will be provided by the school and the Rowan County Literacy Council.

To get started, please either visit our website at www.rcliteracy.org or call us at 704-216-8266.