Reading Buddies
Inspire Young Readers

Looking to make a meaningful impact in your community? Join our ReadOKC Reading Buddies as a dedicated volunteer. As a Reading Buddy, you'll engage with elementary students on a weekly basis, becoming a mentor and friend in their reading journey. Reading Buddies make a significant difference in the lives of OKCPS students. Witness their excitement as they participate in various reading activities, develop essential reading skills, and experience remarkable growth.

Do you want to volunteer?

We recruit caring adults to serve as Reading Buddies, Book Club Leaders, volunteers on our On the Go! Book Bus, and as stewards of a Little Library. Become a ReadOKC Volunteer and engage with OKCPS students on a weekly basis. Enjoy reading with students, sharing access to reading materials, and serving as a mentor in their lives. Most volunteer opportunities are less than an hour once a week.

Volunteer Interest Form >

Program Resource Guide for Volunteers >

OKCPS Volunteer Application >

OKCPS: Volunteer Website >

Mentor and Read with Students

Weekly sessions during the school year (excluding holidays)
30-45 minutes of quality time with a group of 1-4 students
Foster self-esteem, self-motivation, and responsibility
Improve students' attitudes towards reading

The first step to volunteering as a Reading Buddy is to complete the OKCPS volunteer application.

They are so excited!

"When students go to Reading Buddies each week, they are so excited! What has stood out to me is the positive feedback from parents. I have received phone calls from parents saying they have seen such amazing growth in their child. I hope this program reaches more schools and more volunteers."

– VICTORIA

A confident reader.

"Volunteering has been a transformative experience. One of our group's students was struggling with basic words, and now she has blossomed into a confident reader, capable of completing entire books during our sessions. Witnessing her growth and dedication was incredibly rewarding."

– AMBER

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after I submit the volunteer interest form?

After your interest form is received, you will be emailed a training video and questionnaire to complete.

You can also learn more about volunteering by reviewing the OKCPS Foundation: Program Resource Guide for Volunteers >

The Foundation works with schools to place volunteers at their preferred locations. These placements typically happen at the end of August or early September. This gives schools time to assess their needs and identify which students will participate in the program. Please keep in mind that not all schools participate each year, but we will work with you to find the best fit if your first choice is not available.

What happens after I fill out the OKCPS district volunteer application?

Our volunteer applications can take up to 10 business days to process. If it has been more than 10 business days, please check your email inbox's spam folder for the approval notice. If you cannot find an approval email, you can call or email the school site that you've applied to and they will be able to look you up in the volunteer management system. If the school site doesn't have a definitive answer please email the Community Relations Department at volunteers@okcps.org.

I have more questions about volunteering. Who do I ask?

Review Frequently Asked Questions Here >

If you cannot find the answer you're looking for you can connect with the Volunteer Coordinator for your school site. Their contact info can be found on their Volunteer Opportunity Page. Or connect with volunteers@okcps.org