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In May 1997, President Clinton proposed that Federal work-study students serve as reading tutors to help all children read well by the end of the third grade. Studies have shown that sustained individualized attention and reading tutoring can raise reading levels significantly. As Richard Riley, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education explains, "The America Reads program promotes access to college by helping students finance post-secondary education costs while offering these same students the opportunity to pursue community service. This creates a win-win situation; young learners and communities gain from the services provided, and students (and the university) who might not ordinarily be able to share in the community service experience can now afford to be involved."

Clemson University joined the America Reads Challenge by developing a program during the 1997/1998 academic year. The program consists of work-study students and volunteer students from a wide range of disciplines and colleges at Clemson University. The America Reads program at Clemson University is directed by Meghan Buch and Julie Green. The America Reads program is housed in the Eugene T. Moore School of Education, College of Health, Education and Human Development. America Reads tutors currently work with students at Clemson Elementary School in Pickens County. The University has developed a partnership with the school and their after-school program. As a result, it has become the central hub for the America Reads program. If you are interested in working with America Reads, please contact Brenda Shaver in financial aid.