When education, mentorship, and community come together, they create something powerful. A recent collaboration between University School (US) and the student-led group Youth Serve Cleveland Council of Independent Schools (YSCCIS) brought high school students and ODA scholars together through the joy of reading.
The initiative was developed by Charlie Martin, a junior at University School, in partnership with our Director of Engagement, Joe Hollings.
Inspired by the one-to-one reading model of our St. Paul’s Episcopal Church volunteers, Charlie and nine other US students read
with ODA scholars at Breakthrough‘s Midtown Campus, shared stories, and built meaningful relationships.
Charlie then expanded the partnership through YSCCIS, a service group representing five local independent schools.
“Reading together builds bonds and opens doors to conversations we wouldn’t have otherwise,” he said.
For our scholars, it was both fun and affirming.
“I had kindergarteners echo-reading aloud with their mentors,” said ODA Coordinator Kyra Cutsail. “You could see how much they loved it.”
For the older students, it was a chance to lead – and to connect.
“Service is about forming relationships,” said Valentina Dickens, a junior at Gilmore Academy. “That’s what inspires people to keep coming back.”
Thank you to all the students, educators, and volunteers who helped make this partnership possible.
