We are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel again as we move into the second semester. The shift in grade level improvement we have seen throughout the course of the year gives us the information we need to know the effort is worth it (see last year’s graph results below)! Think of what that means for a moment. It’s not as simple as a child just knowing how to read. We are giving them the tools to be successful in life. In life! Now we have set them on a course from learning to read to reading to learn. Now, they can solve the math and science problem that is so essential for lifetime success. Now we have enabled our children to be productive members of our San Antonio community. Now, we have enabled economic development and prosperity so we can be a city on the rise. How our heart sings with that rewarding feeling that we have made a difference in the life of a child; in the future of our community!

Our 2015-2016 goal of tutoring 1,481 students with over 800 volunteers is within reach. I challenged the team with an aggressive 20% growth rate and they are close to meeting that challenge. Thank you to this fabulous community for stepping up and responding to the call to give our kids a little extra support during this very crucial time in their lives. We will all benefit from our efforts.

In service, Maryann Acola