Dive Into Reading
Dive Into Reading, A program of Shuckin' Good Cause, aims to improve children's reading levels by combating "Summer Slide."
Dive into Reading started in the Summer of 2017 when the Anna Maria Oyster Bar in Ellenton invited rising third-graders from two local Title I elementary schools to enjoy a hot breakfast and practice reading with a mentor. Many mentors are guests from our restaurants: retired teachers, grandparents, high schoolers, even our restaurant team members!
In partnership with the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading, the program has grown significantly since its inception, receiving an outpouring of community support and winning recognition and awards from the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation, School District of Manatee County, and Manatee Chamber of Commerce.
In just its first year, Dive into Reading helped students beat the “Summer Slide” and showed an increase in reading proficiency when they returned to school. In 2020, the program was offered virtually via Zoom, with 75% of the participating children showing no reading loss when they returned to school.
This year, Dive into Reading aims to mentor even more children and continue to make a positive impact on their reading skills.
Join us for this special experience and help us fight “Summer Slide” together.
BECOME A MENTOR
Our children need you this summer to be a volunteer reading mentor for rising 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade students.
Program Recognition
Over the years, dive into reading has been honored to receive several awards for our work
In 2018, we were shocked and grateful to be named the recipient of the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation‘s Restaurant Neighbor Award, presented in Washington, DC. This award and accompanying grant allowed us to expand the program significantly and serve more students.
Dive Into Reading has also received these following recognitions:
Leadership Florida Impact Award
Leadership Florida honors a business or nonprofit organization that has created a project or body of work with the potential to transform its region and beyond.
Barry Jones Empowerment Award
Manatee Chamber recognizes the partner who empowers other to make a difference for schools, teachers and students.
Gratitude Award
Given by the School District of Manatee County to community partners that show exceptional dedication and support for local students and schools.
We are grateful and humbled by all of these recognitions, because our true satisfaction comes from knowing that we are making a positive impact on our students. None of these achievements would have been possible without the support of our community partners and volunteer mentors.
Get Involved
Join us in making a difference in a child's life!
Dive into Reading relies on community partners and volunteer mentors like you.
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer reading mentor, please consider committing to a minimum of one morning a week from 8:45 am to 10:30 am for 4 weeks this June. (Dates may vary slightly depending on the school district’s summer school schedule.)
We would appreciate any additional weekly shifts you can offer (feel free to select more than one!).
Finally, enjoy this video created by award-winning journalist Ray Collins to learn more about Dive into Reading. Thank you for helping our community’s children!
Make A Donation
Want to make an impact, but are unable to volunteer?
Your tax-deductible donation to Dive Into Reading will directly support our efforts to end the “Summer Slide”, spark learning confidence, and inspire our youngest readers!
Your donation helps us retain the best teachers, purchase backpacks and learning materials, and cover the cost for each student who participates in Dive Into Reading!
Please consider donating today! Click the button below to make your impact!
THANK YOU!
