“Empowering” Presentation at Library

It should be common knowledge that students not reading at their grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of school. There have been public service messages to this effect, and the Ohio Department of Education has placed considerable emphasis on third grade reading.

What may be less known is the link between literacy and crime and poverty. Statistically, two-thirds of students not reading proficiently by the end of fourth grade will end up in jail or on welfare.

Darke County has great teachers,” said Bob Robinson, Executive Director of Empowering Darke County Youth. “They care and they work hard, but some students need more. They learn differently. Or they need more time to focus. They may need additional small group work, or just another hour at the end of the day to learn.”

Empowering Darke County Youth provides that extra help in its after school and summer tutoring programs. With the help and support of teachers and staff, the program is working. Robinson, and Program Coordinators Kay Sloat and Chelsea Jones, will provide an overview of the challenges local students face and the program’s efforts to help them.

Empowering Darke County Youth is a 501c3 United Way Partner. The organization has provided over 10,000 hours of educational support to more than 465 students since 2016. Find out more on April 4, 6 p.m., at the Greenville Public Library.