Hundreds of Jewish teens engage with Wise Readers to Leaders to aid program in successful transition to online reading, tutoring, and enrichment curriculum for LAUSD students

Wise Readers to Leaders jumped into the world of virtual programming last year with incredible success, largely thanks to the hard work and dedication of hundreds of Jewish teen volunteers from the Stephen Wise Temple community and beyond.

Over the summer, 100 Jewish teens led creative enrichment activities for scholars during the remote program. Nearly every teen created their own workshops—with topics ranging from ballet and American Sign Language to film studies and math. One Jewish volunteer said of the program: “Volunteering at WRTL has allowed me to put into practice the Jewish principle of tikkun olam. Judaism has instilled in me a desire to better the world around me and sometimes that can feel like a daunting task. Wise Readers to Leaders has allowed me to make change within my own community and impact the scholars’ worlds. Being a Junior Literacy Leader has made me more sure of my Jewish identity and the obligations that come with it.”

Scholars and parents loved the virtual programming and are ready to continue throughout the year. “I am honestly amazed by how the program was delivered,” said one parent. “The program raised the bar of expectations.” Another commented: “My kids probably learned more overall in these last few weeks than they did in the last months of the regular school. The Wise Readers to Leaders staff are just so prepared. This makes all of the difference in the world.”

Since the summer, Wise Readers to Leaders has only grown in impact and success, largely due to the efforts of nearly 200 Jewish teens involved in year-round programming. The dedicated Teen Board and staff have paired over 150 scholars with over 150 teens in the Remote Reading program. In this literacy and mentorship program, K-5th grade scholars are paired with a high schooler to meet weekly on Zoom to read a common book. These teens have had so much success with Remote Reading that they have decided to offer math tutoring to K-8th grade scholars starting in January. They even started a YouTube channel for enrichment so that scholars can access activities anytime even if they can’t participate live.

Teens interested in becoming part of the Wise Readers to Leaders team and its incredible mission can learn more at WiseReaderstoLeaders.org.