The Kern County Superintendent of Schools is looking for volunteers for the annual Kern County Community Reading Project.

The project trains community members to become reading coaches for second grade students.

Students who are not proficient in reading by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school than proficient readers, according to a study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

“The program is a perfect opportunity for community members who would like to make a positive impact in the lives of young students who are experiencing challenges in learning to read,” Teresa Twisselman, English/Language Arts coordinator at KCSOS, said. “One hour a week is all it takes to help four children become successful readers.”

The program began in 1999 and has since expanded to over 20 school sites with over 200 volunteers.

Volunteers commit one hour a week for a least one semester.

Those interested in volunteering for the fall semester (September through December) can attend any of three training sessions: Wednesday, September 7 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, September 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or Saturday, September 10 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at City Centre in downtown Bakersfield.

For more information, community members can contact Teresa Twisselman at 661-636-4645.