51 Read to Succeed Buffalo Experience Corps Volunteer Literacy Tutor/Mentors have been awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award by President Joseph Biden.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is in recognition and appreciation of volunteers across the country who demonstrate their commitment to strengthening our nation and our communities through volunteer service. To be eligible a person must have volunteered between 100-249 hours in 2023. Read to Succeed Buffalo Experience Corps Volunteer Tutor/Mentors combined to provide more than 8,000 hours of 1:1 literacy tutoring support to 287 Buffalo Pre-K-3rd Grade students.

In his letter to each recipient President Biden stated: “Throughout our country’s history, the American story has been strengthened by those who combine an optimism about what can be with the resilience to turn that vision into reality. I know I am not alone in recognizing that those who are willing to step up and volunteer in service of community and country are essential to the ongoing work of forming our more perfect union…We are living in a moment that calls for hope, light, and love. Hope for our futures, light to see our way forward, and love for one another.  Through your service, you are providing all three.”

“Our Buffalo Volunteers are absolutely providing ‘hope for our futures’ and the futures of the students they are dedicated to tutor/mentoring.” said Anne Ryan, Executive Director of RTSB. “The incredible work these individuals do, two or three times a week, every week of the school year, has a significant and measurable impact on students’ vocabulary and fluency skills. Every one of our Volunteers is so deserving of this Presidential recognition!” She continued. “Read to Succeed Buffalo is honored to host this national high impact tutoring program and fortunate to have such incredible Buffalo residents providing science-based literacy tutoring to our students.”

In 2003, the AARP President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role volunteers play in preserving America’s strength and national identity.