For a second-grader learning to read, 15 minutes of one-on-one attention can make a difference. And for Kern County residents looking for a meaningful way to give back, it only takes about an hour a week. The Kern County Community Reading Project is once again looking for volunteers to serve as reading coaches for local second-grade students who could use additional support developing their skills and confidence.
“The program is a perfect opportunity for community members who would like to make a positive impact in the lives of young students who are experiencing challenges in learning to read,” said Ryan Murry, content coordinator for English/language arts at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS). “One hour a week can help children become more confident in their reading abilities.”
The concept is simple. Volunteers receive training in guided reading techniques and then spend one hour, one day a week in a participating classroom for at least one semester. During that hour, they work individually with several students for about 15 minutes each.
A different volunteer visits the classroom each day, creating a consistent routine of one-on-one reading practice throughout the school week.
And the results can be significant.
Last school year at Karl F. Clemens Elementary School in Wasco, students participating in the Community Reading Project began the year reading an average of 30 words per minute. By the end of the year, that average had climbed to 67 words per minute.
The growth reflects a team effort among students, teachers, literacy coaches and the community volunteers who show up each week to read alongside children and encourage their progress.
The Community Reading Project has been bringing schools and community members together for more than 25 years.
It began in 1999 as a pilot program that placed employees of The Bakersfield Californian in Bakersfield City School District classrooms. The idea grew from there, eventually engaging hundreds of community volunteers and reaching more than 20 school sites.
This year, volunteers will have opportunities to serve students at Beardsley Elementary, Suburu Elementary, Karl F. Clemens Elementary in Wasco, Williams Elementary, Standard Elementary, College Heights Elementary and Ronald Reagan Elementary School.
No teaching experience is necessary. Volunteers are provided with training before entering the classroom and are supported in their work with students.
Community members interested in volunteering are invited to attend the 2026 training session. Registration is not required.
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026
9-11 a.m.
Bell Tower Plaza, Kern Room
1210 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield
For more information, contact Ryan Murry, content coordinator for English/language arts, at rymurry@kern.org.
By Robert Meszaros
Rob Meszaros is Director of Communications for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, where he has served since 2012. In his role, Meszaros oversees media relations, internal and external communication strategies, publications, Marcom, branding, and multi-media content creation. Before joining KCSOS, Meszaros was the PIO for CSU Bakersfield and earlier worked for seven years at The Bakersfield Californian.