Minnesota Reading Corps

Geographic Scope: Originally launched in Minnesota (2003); now replicated in 11 states and Washington, D.C.

Focus Areas: Early literacy intervention for children ages 3 to grade 3. Addresses vocabulary deficiency and reading comprehension gaps, particularly targeting students who are not reading at grade level.

Program Description:
Minnesota Reading Corps is ServeMinnesota's flagship early literacy program. It provides trained AmeriCorps tutors who deliver literacy strategies proven to help children get ready for Kindergarten and become successful readers by the end of third grade. The program serves approximately 40,000 children annually.

Key Features:

• One-on-one tutoring sessions (typically 20 minutes daily)
• Focuses on vocabulary development and reading fluency
• Works with kindergarten through grade 3 students
• Targets students falling behind grade level or at risk of failing reading assessments

Evidence of Effectiveness:

• A rigorous study by the University of Chicago (2014) found Reading Corps to be among the most effective literacy programs nationwide
• Students of color, students eligible for free and reduced lunch, and English language learners achieve outcomes equal to or better than their peers
• In Rochester schools, more than 82% of students who completed the program passed the reading test
• University of Chicago study found elementary schools and preschool programs implementing Reading Corps achieve significantly greater outcomes than those without access

Recognition:

• Recognized as a Library of Congress Literacy Awards honoree (2017) - one of only four organizations worldwide honored for reading instruction and tutoring
• Selected as best practice by Library of Congress

Funding: Receives AmeriCorps funding through ServeMinnesota's competitive grants (part of larger state allocation)

AmeriCorps Member Support:

• Members receive modest living stipends (approximately $480 every two weeks or $900/month)
• Upon completing a year-long commitment, members receive education awards of $5,000-$5,730 that can be used for college tuition or student loan repayment