The America Reads Challenge began as a national initiative in 1997 in response to the alarming test scores of many 3rd grade readers. President Bill Clinton allocated extra work-study funds to any college or university that agreed to use at least half of those funds to pay students to tutor children in literacy skills. Montana State University signed on right away and began recruiting, training, and placing MSU student tutors with children in area schools in the fall of 1997. By 1999 the United States Department of Education expanded the America Reads Program to include math tutoring, and so was born America Reads*America Counts.
Since starting work in the Bozeman area community in 1997, over 600 college student work-study and volunteer tutors have served well over 2500 children in area schools who were struggling with either math or literacy skill development. Today the MSU America Reads*America Counts program continues to work with and support area children to achieve and succeed academically.
The America Reads*America Counts program is managed by the MSU Office of Activities & Engagement.
Now accepting tutor applications for the 2012-2013 academic year. Work-study and volunteer positions available!
Meet the 2012-2013 Compact Service Corps Co-Coordinators:
Damon Alm
I am small town man hailing from Highwood, Montana. Highwood is a very small and close knit community with the school and agriculture being the backbone. Growing up in such a small community was the biggest blessing for me. I was surrounded by people who only wanted the best for me. I was taught that you must work hard both in and out of the classroom. I attribute my beloved community, the people in it, and my family to molding me in to the man I am today. No matter what I do, I want to do it to the best of my ability and with all that I have, treating people with respect and dignity. As Michael Jordan once said, “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, and others make it happen.” I always want to be the person to make it happen. In my spare time I enjoy watching or playing any sport, waterskiing, cliff jumping, swimming and just being outdoors. Kids are very near to my heart and are the reason I joined this program. Alongside great leadership I believe this program will continue to grow and serve Bozeman kids to the best of its abilities, where the students will always be our top priority. Our tutors will not only help students with their schoolwork but will be role models in each student’s life. Thank you for looking in to our program. I look forward to a great year with MSU America Reads*America Counts.
Keaton Ramm
Welcome to the MSU America Reads*America Counts homepage! We are excited you are checking out our program, and I have no doubt you will like what you find. Though a Colorado native, I integrated quickly into the Bozeman community, trying my hand at fly-fishing, mountain biking, dancing, and most recently getting involved in the triathlon scene. I will be going into my fourth year at Montana State, studying Mathematics and Spanish with teaching options. I am passionate about the opportunities that education provides within the Bozeman community, and look forward to watching the growth of the students in our program each year. I am hoping to make 2012-2013 the best year yet for MSU AR*AC, with the help of my co-coordinator, Damon!
