America Reads / America Counts

Program Overview

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 (ARAC) program continues to work with and support area children.

ARAC Mission

The mission of the ARAC program is to assist K-8 children in Bozeman area schools to achieve and succeed academically. ARAC is managed by the Field Placement & Licensure Office (FPLO) who administers and oversees the program which engages teacher education and other majors in tutoring K-8 students.

Tutor Work Study and Volunteer Applications now open for Fall 2023! Full job description and application available under "Become an ARAC Tutor."