About GBJCL

The Greater Boston Jewish Coalition for Literacy is a coalition of long-term, sustainable, and volunteer led partnerships between Jewish organizations, synagogues, day schools, and local business with public elementary schools in under-served areas of Greater Boston. Giving thousands of hours of time each year, GBJCL volunteers participate in tutoring, donating books, and advocating improving public education and student access to quality reading materials.
GBJCL matches partner schools with high quality volunteers who meet with a kindergarten through fifth grader for weekly tutoring. Tutors are provided with professional training by a certified elementary reading specialist in the core concepts of literacy, school culture, diversity and strategies to support a range of learners. Volunteers are supported throughout the school year with workshops and opportunities that enhance their experience and support their work with students. 

Did you know?

Students who have developed a relationship with an adult volunteer are…

  • More likely to stay engaged in school and seek out additional learning opportunities
  • More confident in their performance of school work
  • Develop stronger social skills and confidence in themselves

    Students who are read to by an adult…
  • At least 15 minutes a day are exposed to over a million more words per year
  • View reading as a pleasurable activity are more likely to seek it out on their own

    •  Students who talked about reading regularly…

  • Had higher test scores than students who did not. The highest scores were from students who talked about reading at least once or twice a week.