News Summary
RISE Augusta has opened a new tutoring location at The Hub to enhance literacy among local students, as only 30% of Richmond County third graders read at grade level. The organization donated over 41,000 books in 2024 and boasts an 84% success rate for elementary-aged children. With around 100 students on the waitlist for tutoring, RISE emphasizes the critical importance of early literacy interventions. The program has received support from the Georgia Literacy Council and aims to address challenges affecting children’s education in the community.
Augusta, GA – RISE Augusta has officially opened a new tutoring location at The Hub, aimed at improving literacy among local students. This initiative is crucial since only about 30% of Richmond County third graders currently read at grade level. The organization, recognized as one of the top 10 best literacy programs in Georgia, is committed to ensuring children can read proficiently by the time they reach the third grade.
In a significant commitment to enhancing literacy, RISE Augusta donated more than 41,000 books to local children throughout 2024. This effort aligns with the organization’s primary focus on helping students build a strong foundation in reading. While RISE boasts an impressive 84% success rate in improving literacy among elementary-aged children, it faces challenges with middle school students, as indicated by a low 11% success rate in this demographic.
At The Hub, RISE Augusta offers daily tutoring sessions on the second floor, where dedicated tutors and volunteers work closely with students. The tutoring program extends across the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) and has previously included services in six Richmond County schools. Currently, there are approximately 100 students on the waitlist for after-school tutoring, a signal of the high demand for such services.
Despite its successes, RISE Augusta is keenly aware of the obstacles posed by external factors. The organization refers to issues such as bullying as contributing reasons behind the tragic loss of an 11-year-old student at Harlem Middle School, highlighting the complex social challenges that impact children’s education. Furthermore, statistics reveal that 85% of kids in the juvenile justice system struggle with reading skills, reinforcing the necessity of early intervention programs.
RISE Augusta’s emphasis on early literacy is crucial; the organization believes that providing support to students before they reach the third grade is essential for fostering a love of reading and ensuring long-term academic success. A noteworthy aspect of the program is that 90% of its students exhibit improved behavior in school, demonstrating the broader impact of literacy on children’s lives.
The Georgia Literacy Council has supported RISE Augusta’s mission with a $25,000 grant, recognizing its significant contributions to local education. Additionally, RISE Augusta serves as a privately funded nonprofit that provides invaluable wraparound services, including distributing glasses and hosting free book fairs. Their approach also involves a shift in focus from previously tutoring middle and high school students to concentrating on the needs of elementary-aged children.
Volunteers play a fundamental role in RISE Augusta’s success, as highlighted by the organization’s leadership. Their mission includes making learning enjoyable and catering to students’ individual learning styles, enhancing the educational experience for every child involved in the program.
Currently, only 25% of students in schools served by RISE are reading at grade level, emphasizing the urgent need for continued support and resources. Donations of new or gently used books are encouraged to help sustain the program and benefit the children it serves. RISE Augusta remains steadfast in its mission to improve literacy standards and foster better educational outcomes for the youth in Augusta.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tutor Shortage Threatens Educational Success in Augusta
Additional Resources
- WRDW: RISE Augusta Expands Hub Helping Build Literacy Skills
- WRDW: RISE Augusta Facing Tutor Shortages as School Year Begins
- WRDW: Finding Solutions – RISE Augusta Changing Lives Through Literacy
- WRDW: Literacy Center Helping Richmond County Kids
- Augusta Chronicle: Obituaries
- Wikipedia: Literacy
- Google Search: Literacy Programs in Georgia
- Google Scholar: Literacy Improvement Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Literacy
- Google News: RISE Augusta
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
