STAIR of Birmingham
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Mission Statement
At STAIR, we know every child can learn to read. Through one-on-one tutoring, we empower students with literacy skills to unlock their full potential, because every child deserves to succeed.
About This Cause
Two afternoons a week, STAIR pairs trained volunteer reading tutors with students in Birmingham schools. Upon completing the program, STAIR students are excited to pick up a book and read independently, putting them on the path to proudly walk across their graduation stage, apply for their dream job, and teach their own kids to read. STAIR began in the fall of 2000 as a collaboration between Independent Presbyterian Church (IPC) and the Birmingham City School System (BCS). The purpose of the program was to establish an after-school tutoring program to help improve reading skills for 2nd graders within the city of Birmingham who were not reading on grade level. During its first year, STAIR served 12 students from Avondale Elementary School. As a result of the work and commitment during the pilot year, STAIR was able to create a sustainable and successful literacy program for 2nd graders within BCS. STAIR was formally incorporated as its own 501(c)(3) entity in 2005 and has continued to experience tremendous growth as demand for the program continues to increase. STAIR has redesigned its curriculum under the leadership of Chief Academic Officer Joel Smith and a team of reading specialists. Guided by data from the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) and tutor feedback, the new curriculum focuses on improving phonological awareness, phonics, and oral language skills. Recognizing the importance of effective tutoring, STAIR provides training and resources to ensure tutors can deliver high-quality, personalized instruction tailored to each student’s needs. STAIR supplies students with 12 new books for their home libraries. These contemporary, authentic books are aligned with the curriculum and foster a love for reading. STAIR implemented innovative software, AfterSchool HQ, to improve tracking and reporting of program outcomes. These enhancements reflect STAIR’s commitment to continuous improvement and its mission to close literacy gaps in the Birmingham community. At STAIR we believe readers are leaders. Every new cohort of youngsters who enter our schools includes our community’s future innovators, entrepreneurs, and change makers. Every parent has dreams for their children, and every child is in a different place in their very own reading journey. With the generous support of Foundations, corporations, and donors like you, we can empower students in our community with the tools to unlock their full potential. Together, we can help today’s students achieve success and become the leaders of tomorrow.