Archived News Release from 2008

For Immediate Release

Redwood City Project READ Wins Prestigious Award, Congressional Recognition

Redwood City, CA - June 23, 2008 – Redwood City’s Project READ, in collaboration with Cañada College, is pleased to announce it has received the honor of a J. Russell Kent Award, sponsored by the San Mateo County School Boards Association, as well as a Certificate of Recognition from the California Senate and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives. These wonderful accolades are in recognition of Project READ’s outstanding and invaluable service to the community.

The Kent Award was presented in honor of Project READ’s Inmate Peer Tutor Program, offering college credit to inmates who successfully complete the specialized literacy program implemented with Project READ volunteer tutors. And, through a collaborative partnership with Cañada College, a tutor-training course is offered – Literacy Tutoring in the Community – which provides another avenue for students to gain new skills and abilities in order to help improve the community through enhancing literacy. The State Senate and Congressional Certificates honor Project Read and Canada College for their exemplary efforts on behalf of the community, in achieving the Kent Award.

Throughout the program, tutors and learners report very positive results from their work together. Assessments show that reading levels increase and inmates report an increase in self-esteem. Many of the trained tutors’ learners continue their education by taking additional classes while still incarcerated. These new readers are then able to participate in recovery programs and GED classes, and achieve other educational goals.

Redwood City Project READ tutors work one-on-one, or with a small group, for just a few hours a week, helping learners attain their personal educational goals. Tutors work with learners providing a source of inspiration and hope, and instill a lifelong love of learning. Tutoring sessions are individualized, and designed to help non-readers grow, learn and achieve their goals. For more information or to volunteer to become a tutor, call Project READ at (650) 780-7077 or go to www.projectread-redwoodcty.org

The Redwood City Public Library offers many free programs for children, adults, and families, and is the learning center of our community. For more information about library events and services you may access the library’s home page at www.redwoodcity.org/library or call 780-7026.

Visit Redwood City’s award-winning website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, and local business. Take a look at the variety of City webcams at www.redwoodcity.org/webcam, and subscribe to Redwood City’s email newsletter or other documents by visiting www.redwoodcity.org/egov.

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Contact:
Kathy Endaya, Director
Project READ
650-780-7077