Reading Program Scholarships Offered to Children of Low Income Families

The Portland Oregon-based Renaissance Foundation is partnering with StudyDog, Inc. a provider of on-line programs designed to develop reading skills for young students grades K-2, to provide scholarships for children of low income families who are at risk of falling behind in reading and can benefit from one-on-one instruction and tutoring. Initially 250 scholarships will be distributed to children through public schools or non-profit agencies serving young children. Each scholarship is expected to raise reading skills at least one grade level.

(PRWEB) October 14, 2003 -based Renaissance Foundation is partnering with StudyDog, Inc. a provider of on-line programs designed to develop reading skills for young students grades K-2, to provide scholarships for children of low income families who are at risk of falling behind in reading and can benefit from one-on-one instruction and tutoring. Initially 250 scholarships will be distributed to children through public schools or non-profit agencies serving young children. Each scholarship is expected to raise reading skills at least one grade level.

StudyDog delivers essential reading instruction through an innovative online system that is personalized for the child and guided by a Reading Specialist. Fifteen minute online lessons three to five times per week teach key reading skills identified by the National Reading Panel and other reading experts. Students enjoy the program because of its engaging design and format, and the prizes awarded to the students as they progress. Through an initial reading assessment, StudyDog builds a customized curriculum for each student to address his/her specific challenges. Teachers and parents receive online reports of the childs progress.

To receive these scholarships, teachers and reading specialists for kindergarten through second grade submit applications on behalf of those students who can best benefit from one-on-one instruction and tutoring. Students must be eligible for free or reduced rate school lunches. Applications for scholarships are available for download from StudyDog.com.

StudyDog Scholarships fit seamlessly in the literacy programs of schools by not impacting budgets, not requiring more work from teachers, and not introducing new curriculum. The scholarships provide a resource to schools to prevent children who otherwise may not have access to supplemental instruction from falling behind in reading. As a result, schools are more likely to show the improvement against state standards that the No Child Left Behind Act requires.

StudyDog, Inc. is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon. StudyDog reading systems, which include Reading Basics for helping children prevent reading difficulties and Reading Rescue for helping young readers who are struggling, are part of an overall learning platform developed by StudyDog. For more information about StudyDog visit their web site at StudyDog.com or call toll-free at 866-643-4449.

The Renaissance Foundation seeks to make a significant difference in the lives of people in need. It focuses grants in the areas of education, social and medical services and the environment. Trustees are Irving Levin and Stephanie Fowler. For more information about The Renaissance Foundation, call Diana Hoff at 503-222-9960.
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