United Way of Northeast Louisiana has opened volunteer recruitment for the 2026 READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. initiative, inviting community members to support local 2nd- and 3rd-grade students as Volunteer Readers or Pen-Friends. Opportunities are available during the school day across Jackson Parish, Lincoln Parish, Monroe City, Morehouse Parish, Ouachita Parish, and Union Parish school districts.
Launched in partner schools during the 2012-13 school year, READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. is a volunteer community education initiative designed to help place area students on a path toward school success by improving their reading skills and increasing their chances of graduating from high school.
Studies from the Annie E. Casey Foundation show that students who can’t read on grade level by the end of 3rd grade are four times less likely to graduate from high school.
READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. pairs community volunteers with 2nd-grade students across 21 partner schools in our region, as well as 3rd-grade students at Jefferson. Volunteers serve as one-on-one Volunteer Readers or Pen-Friends, helping their assigned students practice and strengthen reading and writing skills while building meaningful connections.
New this year, the program will take place over 10 consecutive weeks from October through December, excluding Thanksgiving Break.
Last year, READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. provided direct support to 629 local students across the region.
“When a caring adult shows up — whether to read for 30 minutes or write an encouraging letter — it changes how a child sees themselves and what’s possible,” said Michelle Saucer, Senior Community Impact Director at United Way of Northeast Louisiana. “READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. is about building confidence, joy, and momentum in literacy — one story, one student, one note at a time.”
How to Get Involved
- Sign up & learn more: unitedwaynela.org/readlearnsucceed
- Commitment: 10 consecutive weeks from October through December, excluding Thanksgiving Break
- Roles:
- Volunteer Reader — read individually with assigned student during the school day. Scheduling varies by participating school.
- Pen-Friend — exchange written letters with assigned student throughout the program. Guidelines are provided during the volunteer onboarding.
United Way of Northeast Louisiana encourages both new and returning volunteers to get involved and help local students strengthen their literacy skills and build confidence for success in school and beyond.