October 30, 2009:  The City of Delray Beach and the Mayor’s Literacy Initiative have come together to donate books to the “Peer Tutor Reading Program”, an innovative effort where students train other students to become reading tutors.

Now in its fourth year, the “Peer Tutor Reading Program” is sponsored by the Atlantic High School ROTC.  Under the guidance of ROTC Lt. Colonel James L. Rodriguez, fifth grade students who face literacy challenges are paired with ROTC cadets.  The cadets teach them how to become reading tutors.  With improved literacy skills and reinforced confidence, these fifth graders tutor lower level grade students in need of individual reading instruction.

Both tutor and student each receive a donated book.  City of Delray Beach Education Coordinator Janet Meeks is proud to be a part of this program.  “By supporting the ‘Peer Tutor Reading Program’, the City and the Mayor’s Literacy Initiative recognize the importance of literacy in the community and continue to take an active role to promote reading proficiency among our youth.”      

For more information about the “Peer Tutor Reading Program”, contact ROTC Lt. Colonel James L. Rodriguez at (561) 243-1500.