Children's Literacy Center

Children's Literacy Center Logo

Basic Information

Address: 2928 Straus Lane, Suite 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Phone Number: 719-471-8672
Fax Number: 719-473-0439
Director: Gina Solazzi

Action Shots

Children's Literacy Center


* Click each thumbnail for a larger version.

Additional Information

Causes Served: Reading, Literacy, Tutoring
Background Check: Yes
Population Served: Children in the 1st through 6th grade reading levels
Ages for Volunteer: 14 +
Hours of Service: Various
Minimum Hours Required: 24 hours per semester or 12 weeks
Days of Service: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Mission Statement:

The Children's Literacy Center builds a life of success for children through a foundation of literacy.

Program History:

The Children's Literacy Center offers FREE one-to-one tutoring for children reading below grade level at no cost to families. We recruit and provide training to hundreds of volunteers each year. The Children's Literacy Center, a 501(c)(3) not for profit, began as a Junior League project in 1991. It has since evolved into a statewide effort that receives support from a broad base of individual donors, businesses, corporations, schools and foundations. Beginning with one location and sixty-two children in 1993, there are nearly 25 active sites statewide, serving hundreds of students annually.

Additional Information:

 Why do we need to help?

Approximately forty percent of fourth grade students in Colorado fail to meet state reading standards and more than fifty percent do not meet state writing standards. This translates to thousands of children at-risk of not succeeding in school. The Children’s Literacy Center’s program works with the community, schools and families, providing a cost-effective literacy program that minimizes the gap between success and failure.

Who are the tutors?
Tutors are community volunteers from age 14 and older, who have a desire to help children struggling with reading. Volunteer tutors work individually with each child, teaching them to unlock the meaning of words and giving them the assistance to develop independent reading strategies. In addition, volunteers forge supportive relationships with the children, creating a sense of self-worth and building lasting connections within the community. 
What curriculum is used?
The Children's Literacy Center's Peak Reader® program addresses today's important educational issues - student achievement, school accountability and the meeting of state standards and National Literacy Strategies.

What is our impact in the community?
Currently there are 8,000 students in El Paso County not reading at grade level. In the next ten years, 97% of all jobs will require a high school education or more. Our program results in a 95% success rate;consequently, program participants develop a solid reading foundation essential to them now and in the future. Tutors give each child the confidence they need to succeed. The ability to read and learn guarantees economic security and social stability in our neighborhoods and communities.