Michael D. Grossman

Literacy has traditionally been described as the ability to read and write. It is a concept claimed and defined by a range of different theoretical fields.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines literacy as the "ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, compute and use printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning in enabling individuals to achieve their goals, to develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in their community and wider society." ....Wikipedia

Literacy Today is about relationships & Success!

Literacy Today is based on a unique mentoring model that enhances self-esteem & encourages empowerment by creating jobs for teens as literacy and life skills mentors from 6-13 year olds. The Literacy Today teens learn the value of education, discipline and respecting the opinions of others in a supervised after school mentoring culture. The teens serve as role models to the younger students.

A special workshop about "What Motivates Kids to Read" helps the teen mentors develop understanding and positive learning strategies.

Teaching skills and interpersonal dynamics are discussed as the teen mentors learn how to encourage and inspire their mentee.

Literacy Today has founded programs that are active in Camden, Newark and Atlantic City areas, serving over one hundred children in each location.

Providing Jobs and Literacy for Youth!

Literacy Today reinforces school curriculum and empowers qualified high school teens to be trained and paid as literacy & Life skill mentors.
Literacy Today teens learn real job skills and responsibility, including how to be accountable, maintain
progress reports, and the importance of consideration for other people's point of view!

Literacy Today honors ethnic heritage and cultural pride by focusing on those individuals who have helped their community, by service to others.
Our interactive approach makes reading fun and meaningful for students. as they larn about the importance of healthcare, education, creative arts, and healthy living practices.

A Mentor's job starts with:

Filling out a job application that includes personal references, school activities and employment history.

The applicant must be interviewed by the director of the program. The Mentors sign a letter of commitment.

The parents (guardians) sign a commitment to support the teens.

Teens are responsible for maintaining passing grades in all academic subjects.

Mentors & Mentees keep a journal of their mentoring experiences.

Mentors maintain work time sheets, attendence and progress reports.

Students complete before & after surveys in a 12-month follow-up of their goals and experiences.