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Student Financial Aid

Welcome to America Reads

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 is staffed by Federal Work-Study students and Creative Inquiry participants, representing a wide range of disciplines and colleges at Clemson University.  Debra Vassey, Federal Work-Study Manager, and Oluwaseun Aina, Graduate Assistant/America Reads Program Director, serve as program co-directors. The America Reads program is housed in the Office of Student Financial Aid. America Reads tutors currently work with Kindergarten through 3rd-grade students at Six Mile Elementary, West End Elementary, and Clemson Elementary.


Current Newsletters

America Reads graduates pose at a reception with the tiger cub A student teacher address a class of elementary students

How to Get Involved with America Reads

America Reads is a Federal Work-Study Program. Therefore, you must be eligible for Federal Work-Study to become a tutor. Paid tutoring positions for America Reads are available through Federal Work-Study. A limited number of positions for course credit are available through Creative Inquiry.

For Federal Work-Study Students
Once you have established your Federal Work-Study eligibility, you may apply for a position through the Federal Work-Study site (portal open July 1-August 15) or contact Debra Vassey.

For Creative Inquiry
Contact either Debra Vassey, Federal Work-Study Manager, or Oluwaseun Aina, Graduate Assistant/America Reads Program Director, to check the availability of openings and get the course and section number.

Letters arranged on a table to student teachers from their students with a photo attached.

Contact Us

America Reads

Office: GO1 Sikes Hall Clemson, SC 29631
Phone: 864-656-9034

Debra Vassey

Federal Work-Study Manager
864-656-9034
dvassey@clemson.edu

Oluwaseun Aina

Graduate Assistant/America Reads Program Director
864-656-9034
oaina@clemson.edu