Everyone A Reader
One Hour a Week Can Change a Child’s Life
The PTA is proud to partner with the San Diego County Office of Education’s “Everyone A Reader” Program, a heart-centered, research-based initiative that brings trained volunteers into the lives of young readers who need just a little extra support.
Since its launch in 1995, Everyone A Reader has helped over 75,000 students across San Diego County unlock the joy of reading one book, one session, and one caring adult at a time.
You can change the course of a student's life!
A Powerful Intervention for Literacy
What is it?
Everyone A Reader matches trained volunteers with 1st-3rd grade students who are just below reading grade level and help them reach grade level by the end of the year. It's also a great way to fuel a lifelong love for reading.
Each volunteer works one-on-one with four students a week, just 15 minutes per student, 3 to 4 times a week. Studies have shown that children who read 15 minutes a day have improved vocabulary, literacy skills, fluency, and academic performance.
This focused, personal reading time:
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Reinforces decoding and comprehension skills
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Builds student confidence
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Supports classroom learning
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Sparks joy through student-chosen books
And best of all? It creates meaningful relationships that often feel just as rewarding for the volunteers as for the students.
Our 4th Year
Between 2022 and 2025, CDM has graduated 40 kids from this program!
We are so proud to continue to help children reach literacy goals in a fun and connected way. Students are selected by their classroom teachers based on their reading level.
The PTA coordinates with 8-10 community volunteers to support the program. They consist of parents, grandparents, neighbors, and even former teachers. No experience is necessary, and there is training held at the start of each year.
“Students run up to greet their tutors — they are so happy to see each other. One volunteer said, ‘I think I get more out of this than the kids do!’”
Cindy Dunlevy, Program Coordinator, SDCOE
Why it Works
Just 15 Minutes Can Change The Course of a Student's Life Forever
Short & Effective
Just 15 minutes per child keeps sessions aligned with attention spans and limits time away from class.
Student Led Reading
Kids choose books they’re excited about — which keeps reading fun and builds literacy ownership.
One-on-One Attention
There’s no substitute for having an adult devoted to just you for 15 minutes. That connection accelerates progress.
Volunteers include parents, grandparents, retired professionals, military personnel, and community members... anyone with a big heart and a love for literacy.
Give Back To Something That Matters
Become A Mentor
We’re looking for volunteers to join our program at Carmel Del Mar. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, neighbor, or local community member, your presence can make a world of difference.
Time Commitment:
One hour per week
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday
12:35–1:35 PM
No Experience Necessary
We’ll provide a short, engaging training before the program begins.
Volunteer Training: 2 hours
School Coordinators (optional): 4-hour training
📚 We also accept donations of diverse books for grades 1–3 to enrich our library.