Syracuse Book Buddies Program Seeks 175 New Volunteers
Local residents can support literacy for city students by signing up for 30-minute weekly reading sessions.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Primary Education
Live Poll
Would you volunteer your time to read with students in a local school program?
The United Way of Central New York is seeking 175 additional volunteers to support its Book Buddies program in Syracuse. The initiative provides weekly reading support for nearly 600 students in kindergarten through third grade across six district schools.
Why it matters
The recruitment drive comes as the district reports that 73% of third-graders read below proficiency levels for the 2024-25 school year. Adding more mentors is essential to addressing these early learning gaps before they become more difficult to correct.
The program currently pairs 400 volunteers with students, but requires 175 additional mentors to meet demand. During the 2024-25 school year, only 27% of district third-graders reached proficiency in reading, while 73% fell below that benchmark.
The players
United Way of Central New York
A regional non-profit organization that manages community support programs and coordinates local volunteer initiatives.
The details
Volunteers work one-to-one with students for 30-minute weekly sessions to boost literacy skills. Mentors are provided with pre-assembled folders containing workbooks, word assessments, and games to structure each visit. Interested residents can choose their preferred school, as well as the specific day and time for their weekly sessions.
Timeline
2024-25 school year: Student reading proficiency levels were measured.
October 30, 2026: The recruitment drive was announced.
The Home Front
This volunteer push follows a year where a large majority of local third-graders missed reading proficiency targets. The effort reflects an ongoing community focus on early elementary support to mitigate long-term academic challenges.
Residents age 18 and older can sign up to support students at local schools including Seymour Dual Language Academy or STEAM at Dr. King. Prospective volunteers must pass a background check and complete two hours of training before beginning their weekly 30-minute sessions.
The takeaway
Volunteering for a 30-minute weekly session can help local students bridge critical literacy gaps. Interested individuals should visit the United Way website to complete the required background check and training.
Further reading
For more on local efforts to improve student outcomes, visit Primary Education.
More information
To review eligibility requirements or submit an application, visit the Book Buddies volunteer information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Syracuse.
Live Poll
Would you volunteer your time to read with students in a local school program?
