Contact: David West (west@alpha.nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

7/27/2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES - From the first moment Alex Guillory began working with the America Reads Program, he knew this was the right way for him to help others.

Guillory, a junior political science major from DeRidder, is one of a group of Northwestern State University students who have been working with the America Reads Program in Natchitoches. The program which was organized by the Boys & Girls Club of Natchitoches. The club's effort was recently honored as the National Education and Career Development Program's Partners in Success Louisiana Program of the Year at the Boys & Girls Club of America National Convention held in New Orleans.

America Reads was formed in response to President Clinton's 1997 call for Americans from all walks of life to help children learn to read. A grassroots national campaign, its membership includes businesses, nonprofits, literacy groups, religious organizations, schools, colleges and others.

More than two million children have been tutored and mentored in reading, and through the Federal Work-Study program, students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities are earning financial assistance by tutoring children in their neighborhoods.

"We realized that there were a number of children in the community who could benefit from this type of program," said Jones. "The School Board and Northwestern have worked closely with us from the beginning. We look forward to continuing this program."

Services were offered at the five Boys & Girls Clubs, three Natchitoches elementary schools and two schools in the parish. Approximately 450 students were helped by the program.

NSU President Dr. Randall J. Webb set aside funding for 38 work-study students to work as tutors last spring. The Natchitoches Parish School Board and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Elwanda Murphy hired 15 teachers to serve as tutors under a $40,000 grant from the Louisiana Department of Education.

"Working with the kids has been a great experience for me," said Guillory, who plans to attend law school after graduating. "I have enjoyed getting to know the kids and getting involved in the community in Natchitoches."

Guillory worked as a math tutor at all levels and with reading and comprehension. All of the tutors went through a training course before beginning work with the children.

"I was excited to have the opportunity," he said. "The kids took a liking to me from the start. It's more of a one-to-one experience. I have a different way of explaining things and the students are more open to asking questions."

Webb said that Northwestern intends to continue providing tutors for the program.

"Part of our commitment is to serve the community we are a part of," he said. "I can think of few ways a university can be of better service than by promoting reading and math."

And when the program continues in the fall, Guillory plans to be available.

"I'll be the first one in line," he said.

For more information on the program, contact the Boys & Girls Club of Natchitoches at (318) 352-6268.

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