TRAVELING STORIES
This organization has already been registered
Someone in your organization has already registered and setup an account. would you like to join their team?Profile owner : i**o@t**************s.o*g
Mission Statement
We empower children to achieve their dreams through one-on-one literacy support and mentorship.
About This Cause
Since our founding in 2010, Traveling Stories has impacted over 7,000 children in San Diego County. Traditionally we've provided services in person, but due to COVID-19 we pivoted to an online model in 2020. Our new Virtual StoryTent program matches students in 1st-3rd grade with trained reading mentors for weekly, one-on-one reading sessions via video. “[The program] gives them something to look forward to, and makes them want to read books that they normally wouldn’t have interest in. It makes them want to read more. They feel better about learning words they may not have known before.” -Jesus (parent) The Virtual StoryTent is an evidence-based program framed in the principles of Positive Youth Development (PYD), constructivism, and the Child Led Learning Theory. We offer four 9-week program periods each year. Students meet with their reading mentor for 45-minutes each week. Our goal is to help each child build their reading skills, grow their love of reading, and increase their self-confidence. While children of all economic backgrounds can benefit from our program, Traveling Stories’ priority is to make high quality reading support accessible to families who cannot afford traditional services. Currently, the average cost of a virtual one-on-one reading tutor is at least $50/hour. When enrolling in the Virtual StoryTent, Traveling Stories invites families to either apply for a scholarship or pay what they can from $10 to $55 per child for each 9-week program. In 2022, 40% of participants received full scholarships and the other 60% of participants paid on average $27 per 9-week program (or just $3 per session). Program enrollment is growing each year. Year 1 (2020): 50 children Year 2 (2021): 100 children Year 3 (2022): 186 children and 54% enrolled in more than one 9-week program period According to program data from 2022, 33% of first graders who participated in the program improved their reading by at least one sight word level after just 1 program period (9 weeks). First grade students who participated in two 9-week programs saw even more results. The data showed that after two programs: 71% were recognized more words 47% were reading at a higher book level 40% found reading to be easier than before participating in the Virtual StoryTent program 31% were reading more books outside of their mentoring session We invite you to get involved! There are many ways to support our mission: 1) Donate 2) Fundraise 3) Host a toy drive 4) Volunteer (we're one of the few organizations that allow teens to volunteer, too!)