Since being able to read is an essential skill you need in life, I have been an eMentor with In2Books since 2004. In2Books is a eMentoring literacy program that brings together adult volunteer with 3rd-5th grade students from communities without many resources.
During the school year (September to June), students and their volunteers read up to five books picked by the student and discuss ideas about the major issues in the book through letters online. Children will learn how to think more about what they read and work hard on their communication skills with their adult volunteers.
The creator of In2Books believes that all kids are capable of deep learning. Without being challenged, children will not develop their full intellectual potential. In2Books has been promoting literacy learning by having students write to adult pen pals since this program was implemented in the Washington D.C. area in 1998.
In 2007, In2Books combined their efforts with ePals. The goal of the two entities working together is to allow unified learning experiences world wide. By 2009 In2Books had expanded to classrooms nationwide and is free to 1000 Title 1 classrooms during the 2009-2010 school year thanks to sponsors!
You can find out more about mentoring opportunities here. Trust me, it's worth becoming a pen pal. If being a pen pal isn't right for you but you'd still like to show your support you can find out about donations here.