About Us

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 take home and keep each year.