Mentoring Information

Read Ahead

share a page in a child's life

Thank you for your interest in mentoring!

Read Ahead is dedicated to helping New York City youth strengthen the literacy and social-emotional skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Since 1991, Read Ahead has connected public elementary school students with caring mentors from leading corporate and community partners. During weekly sessions, mentors and mentees read together, discuss books and their lives, and engage in fun and educational games and activities. Read Ahead sessions are designed to help children grow their literacy skills, confidence, love of reading, and other skills essential for success.

Please note that we prioritize volunteers from our corporate & community partners. If you are not affiliated with one of our partners, you may submit an application as an unaffiliated mentor and we will consider your application as space allows.

Learn more and submit your 10 minute application below.

Apply Now

Read Ahead’s 2024-25 program

Combining our 30 years of experience with new technology platforms and an educator-designed curriculum, Read Ahead sessions are designed to help children grow their literacy skills, confidence, love of reading, and other skills essential for success.

Mentors commit to 45 minute virtual sessions via Zoom every week OR every other week during the school year (October – June). We will work with you to find a session day / time that works for you
Sessions are hosted by a Read Ahead Program Manager
Mentor-mentee pairs spend most of the session one-on-one in a breakout room
No prior experience is necessary. Read Ahead provides all of the training, logistical support, and resources you need to make a meaningful connection and lasting difference

Visit our FAQ page to learn more

See answers to some of the most common questions from new and returning volunteers by visiting our FAQ page! Topics covered include more details about:

How our virtual program works, updated for 2024-25
Time commitment for volunteers and logistical considerations
Our application, onboarding, and matching processes

FAQ Page

Attend a free virtual info session

This fall, we will be hosting a series of live virtual info sessions for prospective volunteers. During each session, a Read Ahead staff member will answer audience questions, and give a brief overview of our program, the volunteer commitment, and the application process.

We look forward to sharing our fall info session calendar soon. We anticipate offering virtual info sessions throughout September, and will post additional info session dates as they become available.

2024-25 Mentor Requirements

All Read Ahead mentors must be 18 years of age or older, pass a criminal background check, and sign a mentor agreement. More information about the time commitment and other expectations can be found on the first page of our application.

We prioritize volunteers from our corporate & community partners. If you are not affiliated with one of our partners, you may submit an application as an unaffiliated mentor and we will consider your application as space allows. If you are interested in learning more about how your company can become a Read Ahead partner, please contact us – we would love to speak with you!