• SMART is a volunteer mentoring-tutoring program that provides One-to-One tutoring to improve literacy skills in our youth.

• Started in 1996, SMART now has grown to more than 100 volunteers.

• Flexible times during the school day, one to four hours per week.

• SMART provides all the training and support you will need. We do not require teaching experience.

• Free transportation to and from the school is available.

• We need your help! We're looking for mature, literate, concerned adults to join us in the campaign.

SMART volunteers are helping kids, K through 12 improve their basic skills in reading, writing and math. Our method is simple: we give them individual attention and lots of encouragement.

SMART (Students and Mature Adults Read Together)

SMART is a model intergenerational literacy program that utilizes the largely untapped resources of older adults to benefit the youth of Yonkers. SMART takes an asset based approach to senior involvement in the community. Older adults use the skills, knowledge, and insight gained over many years, and through diverse experiences, to tutor and mentor students who are reading below grade level. Such mentoring relationships have been proven to stimulate students’ academic interest and commitment, and to foster socially responsible behavior. Through the establishment of a nurturing relationship, and with the guidance of a positive role model, success within and outside of school is more attainable for these students. SMART creates an environment that fosters achievement and creates a pattern of success and independence throughout life. This intergenerational literacy program, which began in Yonkers Public Schools , March 7, 1996, has expanded from one high school to 22 elementary, 2 middle and 2 high schools over the past nine years. More than 170 volunteer mentors tutor approximately 300 Title I students who are performing below grade level in reading. Evaluations by the Yonkers Public Schools have documented the quantitative as well as the qualitative success of SMART. SMART has expanded out of Yonkers and into the Elmsford School District.

Click here to learn more about how to become a SMART volunteer!

¡Pulsar aquí para aprender cómo ser un voluntario SMART!

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