JCL
Jewish Coalition for Literacy
"The JCL tutors are a valuable resource for tutoring reading. Students get the one-on-one practice so necessary for improvement in decoding and comprehension. Thank you JCL!"
-Teacher, Peabody Elementary, San Francisco
Who We Are
The Bay Area Jewish Coalition for Literacy (JCL) is an affiliate of the National Jewish Coalition for Literacy. JCL aims to help reverse the trend of illiteracy across the country by mobilizing thousands of volunteer reading tutors, organizing book drives, and developing advocacy for public education.
Our Program
The Bay Area JCL has regional offices in San Francisco, the East Bay, and the Peninsula. Reading volunteers attend one training session and are placed in a public elementary school or after–school program in grades K-3, depending on the tutoring site's need and volunteer convenience. Volunteers work one-on-one with a student and/or provide read aloud sessions for classes or small groups. Volunteers are asked to make a commitment of one hour per week for the duration of the school year —but many find they wish to do much more!
"Repairing the World"
Did you know that 55% of fourth graders in California read below grade level? It’s a shocking statistic, but it’s a reality for thousands of children. The Jewish Coalition for Literacy is dedicated to reversing this statistic, one child at a time. Jewish tradition stresses the importance of tikkun olam — literally “repairing the world.” By spending as little as one hour each week coaching a K–3 student, you can really make a difference. Read more about the crisis of illiteracy in America.
Good For Your Mind
Being a tutor for JCL benefits children and tutors alike. As a tutor you will learn new skills and put your experiences to good use. Our basic tutor training and periodic skill-building workshops will provide you with the opportunity to learn and grow as a tutor.
Our Partners
JCL collaborates with an array of community partners to accomplish its goals.
Our Funders
JCL is a financially self-sufficient joint project of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC); Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties; and the Jewish Community Federation of the Greater East Bay. JCL is made possible through the generous support of our funders.
