About Us

About SMART:

Learning to read is one of the most important steps in a child's life, laying the vital foundation for future knowledge and education.  Prevailing research proves that shared book reading and the availability of books in the home during a child's first, formative years are the strongest predictors of early literacy skills.  SMART provides both.

Founded in  1992, SMART's proven model engages community volunteers across Oregon to read one-on-one with Pre-K through third-grade children for one hour per week during the school year.  SMART volunteers model reading aloud and ignite a love of reading in  children, helping build literacy skills and self-confidence.  SMART students also receive up to 14 new books to add to their personal library.