Literacy Allies: Helping Sioux Falls Students Read
What could happen if every child entering kindergarten or first grade had someone in their corner—someone who reminded them that they matter and helped them build the reading skills needed to succeed?
That question is at the heart of the Literacy Allies program, a new community initiative bringing together Think 3D Solutions, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, the Sioux Falls School District and the Helpline Center.
Why Third-Grade Reading Matters
Reading proficiency by third grade is an important indicator of a student’s future academic success. When children fall behind in reading, the effects can extend into nearly every subject, including math, science and social studies.
The Sioux Falls School District serves more than 24,000 students, and many children begin kindergarten without the foundational skills needed to read at grade level. While educators work diligently to help students catch up, additional support during these early years could significantly change a child’s trajectory
Literacy is not a challenge schools should be expected to solve alone. It affects future educational outcomes, workforce development and the strength of the entire community. That makes third-grade reading more than a school metric—it is a community priority.
A New Approach to Community Mentorship
Many people want to mentor a child but feel they do not have enough time or experience. Literacy Allies was designed to make meaningful involvement more accessible.
Through the program, volunteers will work with small groups of students for approximately 20 minutes at a time. A team of six volunteers can collectively support six children while requiring each person to contribute only about one hour every other week—or roughly two hours per month.
Volunteers do not need to be teachers or reading specialists. The Sioux Falls School District will provide training, materials and a clear process, giving participants everything they need to confidently support students.
The most important qualification is simply a willingness to show up consistently and invest in a child.
Starting Small With the Potential to Grow
The Literacy Allies program will begin as a pilot at three Sioux Falls elementary schools:
Terry Redlin Elementary
Cleveland Elementary
Anne Sullivan Elementary
The program will focus on kindergarten and first-grade students, providing reading support early enough to help them reach grade-level expectations by third grade. Results from the pilot will be tracked to understand its impact and guide potential expansion throughout Sioux Falls.
Businesses, young professionals, college students, retirees, faith communities and individual volunteers will all have an opportunity to participate. Individuals may register as part of an existing group or be connected with others who want to serve.
Investing in the Future of Sioux Falls
Literacy Allies reflects a simple but powerful idea: meaningful community change happens when people find practical ways to contribute.
Two hours each month may feel like a small commitment, but consistent support can help a child strengthen their reading skills, build confidence and experience the encouragement of knowing someone believes in them. Over time, those individual moments can create a ripple effect across classrooms, workplaces and the entire Sioux Falls community.
These students will become our future employees, business owners, neighbors and community leaders. Supporting them today is an investment in the community we want to build tomorrow.
Two Hours a Month Can Change a Child’s Future
Become a Literacy Ally and help a Sioux Falls student build the reading skills and confidence they need to succeed.
