Our Story
Who We Are
Augustine Literacy Project of the Upstate (ALP) is an independent nonprofit dedicated to improving children’s lives through literacy in South Carolina.
Using an evidence-based, multisensory approach to reading tutoring, our caring volunteer tutors provide effective, one-on-one reading instruction that empowers every child to succeed.
Literacy by the Numbers
The combination of nurture and knowledge that an Augustine tutor offers early to at-risk students can mean the difference between productivity and a positive future or an increased risk of perpetuating a cycle of poverty and even crime. ALP sees its role as life-saving intervention; early reading proficiency is that important!
74%
of poor readers in the 3rd grade are still poor readers in the 9th grade
68%
of 4th grade children in the US are not proficient in reading
85%
of children in the Juvenile Justice System cannot read
70%
of low income 4th graders cannot read at a basic level
Receive training in the science of reading
Become an expert in how the brain learns to read and make a clear, measurable difference in a child’s life. Our program provides hands-on training in the “Science of Reading,” equipping you with the proven methods and strategies that genuinely ensure struggling children can learn to read.
01
Serve an underserved population
By becoming a reading tutor with ALP, you'll provide crucial literacy support to children from low-socioeconomic backgrounds who otherwise would never receive the specialized assistance they need to succeed. Our services have the power to completely reshape these students’ educational journeys and redirect their futures.
02
Change the lives of a family who cannot otherwise afford private tutoring
Here are the numbers… The cost of private reading tutoring can be up to $6,000 per school year, placing it out of reach for the majority of struggling readers. Our free services place those opportunities back in the hands of children desperate for the same chance as more privileged children.
03
ALP offers a chance to make a real difference in our community.
Ann C, ALP Tutor
I’ve seen children go from struggling to confident. This is the greatest experience possible.
Diana M. , ALP Tutor
I love when something clicks with a student! That aha moment is exciting!
Lynn M., ALP Tutor
FAQ
No. The program is geared to train everyone who wishes to help a child. You will be thoroughly trained to prepare and deliver Augustine lessons.
Primarily, we tutor low-income first through third grade students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and are at least one grade level below in reading. The student needs to have a good attendance record for consistent tutoring lessons.
ALP lessons allow students to process reading in an alternative way through a pattern of hearing, saying, touching, seeing, writing and reading each word following a scripted lesson plan customized to their level.
Find Your Path to Tutoring
Fill out the form below and receive our FREE resource: "The ALP Fundamentals of Reading Instruction". In it, you'll find practical, research-based strategies that truly make a difference in children's reading.
By sharing your details below, you're taking the first step to empowering a child's future. We'll check in to share more about our program and answer any of your questions.
Or, book time with us!