We Are UGI: Helping Students Become Star Readers

UGI Utilities is committed to improving childhood literacy through supporting tutoring programs, such as the Ready.Set.READ! Star Readers program, which aims to increase third-grade reading proficiency for students in Berks County, where 50% of third-graders are reading below grade level. The program focuses on third grade reading proficiency because it is a critical component of learning and an indicator of long-term educational and life outcomes.

Managed by United Way of Berks County, the Ready.Set.READ! Star Readers program strives to improve children’s vocabulary skills and increase interest in reading through weekly tutoring sessions between community volunteers and first and second grade students in 29 elementary schools in Berks County. During the 2023-2024 school year, more than 270 students received tutoring through Ready.Set.READ!

UGI Utilities supports the program with contributions through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. Several UGI employees also serve as Star Readers tutors.

“My favorite part about being a volunteer tutor for the Ready.Set.READ! Star Readers program is being assigned a new student each school year, learning what excites them, then using this energy to guide them into becoming a proficient and avid reader,” says UGI employee volunteer, Judy H. “I am so blessed UGI allows me to participate in this program and make a positive difference in a child’s life.”

Thank you, Judy, for your support of Ready.Set.READ!’s efforts to Fuel Our Future by improving early-grade literacy!

Follow UGI Utilities on Facebook (@UGIUtilities), Twitter (@UGI_Utilities) and Instagram (@ugiutilities) or visit https://www.ugi.com/community-programs/ to learn more about UGI’s commitment to supporting local students.