Change a child’s story and you might find it changes yours too

Start the adventure in reading

STAIR-Annapolis is an educator-approved tutoring program that provides one-on-one support to AACPS first and second graders striving to achieve grade-level reading.

Volunteer Donate
  • Children playing a game
  • A boy reading to a group of children and adults

Mission

We have three simple goals:

1
Increase the reading level of first and second-graders reading below grade level.
2
Improve each student’s sense of self-esteem and self-confidence.
3
Provide a nurturing environment where reading is fun!
Learn More About Us

Learn more

How to Sign Up to Volunteer

  • Thank you for your interest in supporting STAIR-Annapolis and helping students build their reading skills and confidence.
  • Step 1: Complete the New Tutor Application
    To get started, please fill out the New Tutor Application. This allows our team to learn more about you and begin the onboarding process.
  • Step 2: Attend a STAIR Information Session (Held Virtually)
    STAIR Information Sessions are held each month. After you submit your application, a member of our team will contact you with upcoming session dates and next steps.
  • Step 3: Ready to Make the Commitment? Get Trained!
    Once you decide to move forward, you’ll participate in training to learn how to use the STAIR curriculum effectively. This training will prepare you with the tools and strategies needed to help students strengthen their reading skills and build confidence.
    We appreciate your willingness to make a difference in the lives of young readers and look forward to connecting with you!

Apply Now!

New Tutor Application

What is STAIR?

Start The Adventure In Reading-Annapolis is focused on one thing: READING!

Learn More About How We Make a Difference

Our Program

Learn about our literacy curriculum

The STAIR Annapolis program offers a supportive environment for students reading below grade level, fostering both their skills and confidence. Each session is crafted to include:

STAIR Volunteer working with a child

 Interactive Read Aloud

STAIR Volunteer working with a child

Structured Literacy

Girl working in a book

Fun and Fluency

Group Games

Learn More About Our Program

Testimonials

What people say about us

Read what volunteers, students, and AACPS staff love about our program.

  • I cannot imagine my life without STAIR.

    It fulfills me in a way I find hard to describe. I know, and those who know about STAIR know, that it fills an important need for some of Anne Arundel County’s children. Perhaps less noted, however, is the value it provides to those who volunteer with the program—connecting us to the broader community, opening our eyes to the often unseen poverty right here in our county, and letting us see what a difference a couple of hours a week can make to improving the lives of the next generation.
    Barb Pratt
    STAIR Tutor Mills-Parole Elementary

  • The STAIR staff is very good about giving us the resources and guidance we need to help the kids be successful.

    The kids are so much fun to be with!  I love seeing the progress they make each week.  It’s very rewarding to look at them at the end of the school year and see how much they’ve grown, how much they’ve learned.
    I can think of no better way to spend my time!  And the added bonus is that I’ve made so many new friends in the other tutors.  
    Ruth Dolle
    Site Coordinator Edgewater Elementary

  • I love STAIR because it’s very fun to do after school.

    I feel better with reading because I used to not feel confident reading by myself or with some people, but now I feel better reading and in front of people or by myself. We play different games at STAIR. There’s a whole bunch of games that I like. It feels fun because everyone gets a turn and it’s not all about like who wins or who loses.
    Mallory B.
    STAIR student Severn Elementary

  • Mallory loves STAIR.

     She was always a little bit behind in her reading and has made vast improvements since joining the STAIR program. And her confidence level has also skyrocketed. We couldn’t have been more lucky to have her in the program.
    Kellianne B.
    Parent of STAIR student Severn Elementary

  • The STAIR organization plays an instrumental role in providing the gift of literacy to students in AACPS.

    The one-on-one attention the STAIR volunteers are able to provide to students is invaluable. We are so grateful for our partnership with such a humble and giving group of volunteers.
    Jane Gill
    Coordinator AACPS Elementary Reading/Integrated Literacy