United Way of Cayuga County is expanding two popular youth programs.
United Way’s Book Buddies program sees volunteers read to second graders twice a month at Genesee and Herman Elementary Schools in Auburn to help build strong reading skills.
“We know that early literacy is a very big predictor of long-term success, and that’s pretty powerful with that program, because it’s not just about the reading, it’s really about the relationships that they’re building with their adult book buddy,” said United Way Executive Director Lisa Kaminski.
Speaking on FLX Morning, Kaminski said the program will expand in the Auburn Enlarged City School District this fall with the addition of Casey Park Elementary School to the program. Additionally, Kaminski said United Way is in talks with the Weedsport, Union Springs, and Moravia School Districts to bring the program to them.
“So we are looking to expand, and eventually we would love to be in every school district in the county,” said Kaminski.
Another program United Way is expanding is Student United Way. Currently offered at Auburn High School, the program will expand to Union Springs this fall
“We’re excited about that. And again, we really just would love to have these programs in all of our school districts across the county, just to provide more opportunities to our youth,” said Kaminski.
Kaminski described Student United Way as a program designed to give youth a voice and become involved in their community by identifying community service programs and opportunities that are important to them. Students also learn about civic leadership, nonprofit leadership, and governance to foster a sense of volunteerism in students.
Anyone interested in volunteering for the Book Buddies program can learn more on United Way’s website.
