AmeriCorps

Ohio Reading Corps

Empowering Ohio students through tutoring, mentoring, and service.

The Ohio Reading Corps is an AmeriCorps program, coordinated by the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio, that provides tutoring and mentoring to students across Ohio. 

Ohio Reading and Math Corps aims to strengthen reading and math skills for K–5 students, providing individualized and small-group instruction to help students reach grade-level proficiency. Through the AmeriCorps Mentors for Success (AMS) program, AmeriCorps members support social and emotional learning (SEL) for students in grades 5–12, providing mentorship and guidance to help them strengthen self-awareness, develop coping skills, and stay engaged in school.

AmeriCorps members serve in schools throughout the state, helping children build confidence, improve academic performance, and develop lifelong learning habits.

How It Works

1. Intervention for Students
The Ohio Reading Corps focuses on K–5 students who are at risk of not meeting grade-level reading and math requirements. Members provide individualized and small-group instruction designed to close academic gaps.

2. Trained AmeriCorps Members
Service-minded individuals serve as AmeriCorps members, receiving training in evidence-based instructional strategies. Members learn how to implement research-based reading and math interventions that align with school data and teacher recommendations.

3. Targeted Instruction
Members deliver one-on-one and small-group tutoring sessions tailored to each student’s specific needs. Instruction is guided by assessment data, progress monitoring, and classroom collaboration.

4. Mentoring and SEL Support
Beyond academics, the AMS program includes a mentoring component for grades 5–12. AmeriCorps Mentors for Success provide social and emotional learning (SEL) support to help students build resilience, self-awareness, and positive relationships.

5. Broad Reach Across Ohio
 The program operates in multiple cities and counties across Ohio, including Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton, and Youngstown.

Key Goals

• Help students build a strong foundation in reading and math.
  
  

• Increase the likelihood that students reach grade-level proficiency.
  
  

• Foster lifelong learners and provide positive role models for youth.
  
  

• Support schools and communities in creating equitable learning opportunities.
  
  

Member Experience

AmeriCorps members receive extensive training and professional development throughout their service year. Training covers instructional best practices, assessment administration, and strategies for supporting students academically and emotionally.

Members serve full- or part-time in school buildings, applying what they’ve learned directly with students. They also participate in National Days of Service, contributing to community projects beyond the classroom.

Member duties include:

• Providing supplemental reading and math support to K–5 students below proficiency.

• Using data to guide instruction and measure student growth.

• Building positive relationships with students and serving as a role model and mentor.

• Participating in professional development, team meetings, and service projects.

• Serving 900 hours of service between September and May.

AmeriCorps and Community Impact

Each year, AmeriCorps provides funding to programs that expand educational opportunity and strengthen communities through service. The Ohio Reading Corps embodies that mission—advancing academic achievement while fostering civic engagement, leadership, and personal growth among members and students alike.

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