BEF partnered with Montclair Elementary to fund a three-month long After School Reading Enrichment Program to increase reading skills while improving student perseverance and resilience.
BEF invested $7,400 to support an after-school program with BSD teachers and books for at-risk students who need the additional resources and support for their academic success. The program provided two hours a week of intense reading instruction for a group of nineteen students, with support such as small group instruction, reading buddies, reading games, and read-aloud.
After the end of the program in March of 2025, educators reported that 100% of participating students increased the amount of time they spent reading outside of school and increased their IRLA levels. With a small group of students to focus on, educators are able to focus on specific issues that the students have with reading comprehension.
By the end of the program, during partner reading, all students participated and engaged in reading aloud together. Even in library class, the librarian has seen increased engagement of students due to student involvement in the after school program. BEF continues to support Montclair Elementary in bridging the reading disparity gap by investing in Summer Boost, as Montclair joins the program during the Summer of 2025.
