Office of Civic Engagement

America Reads

Cleveland State University - Office of Civic Engagement's America Reads program has been placing tutors in libraries and elementary schools in the Greater Cleveland area since 1998. The program is part of a nationwide effort to improve the reading skills of elementary age children. This objective is achieved locally with funding support from Cleveland Public Library systems and Cleveland State University students who are hired to tutor children on site at the libraries.

At numerous tutoring sites, particulary the after-school homework centers, tutors will also assist children in grades K-8th grade with math concepts and homework completion. 


OCE Director, Anita Ruf-Young is featured in this Northeast Ohio Boomer article
 
Image 3161OCE Director, Anita Ruf-Young is featured in this Northeast Ohio Boomer article September/October 2022 about the relationsship between grandparents and grandchildren. Learn more. » 

 

 
 
Gabi Pridemore, former Office of Civic Engagement America Reads Tutor, is featured a Vindicator article
 
Gabi Pridemore, former Office of Civic Engagement America Reads Tutor, is featured a Vindicator article about her experience working for the OCE. Learn more. » 
 

Why Tutor? 

  • Excellent starting wages at $10 - $12 an hour
  • Multiple job locations to choose from 
  • Great way to meet other CSU student
  • Improves your communication skills
  • Expand your professional network
  • Experience for your resume and professional development
  • Develops your problem solving skills, creativity, and  ability to think on your feet or outside the box
  • Enhances your presentation skills
  • Increases your self-confidence and ability to give and follow directions
  • Fosters better listening skills and patience
  • Advances your understanding and knowledge of other cultures and ability to work with diverse groups of people
  • Raises your ability to adapt and be responsive to different needs
  • Betters your own skills and knowledge of a variety of subject matters
  • Grows your ability to pass knowledge onto others and to take technical information and break it down into more understandable parts
  • Develops your leadership skills and being able to work as a part of a team
  • Satisfaction in knowing you are making a difference in a child's life
  • Engage in the communities that surround where you live and go to school

Click here for a list of frequently asked questions about America Reads at Cleveland State

Contact Us

The America Reads program is housed in the Office of Civic Engagement, located in the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs, room UR249. 

Questions? Email Anita Ruf-Young at a.rufyoung@csuohio.edu.