Albuquerque Public Schools
ABQ Reads Inspires Young Readers Through Community Support
APS and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce honor students and volunteers for 20 years of literacy growth.
Albuquerque Public Schools recently joined the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce to celebrate kindergarten and first-grade student participants in ABQ Reads, a tutoring program dedicated to building early literacy skills.
For more than 20 years, ABQ Reads has made a meaningful impact on students at Atrisco, Bel-Air and Whittier Elementary Schools, thanks to the commitment of over 170 volunteer tutors who work with 130 students each month.
This year's celebration marked another successful year of community-driven support, highlighted by the distribution of 4,300 books—21 for each student—to help them build their own home libraries. The ongoing partnership between APS and the chamber makes this possible, ensuring students have access to books that inspire and foster a love of reading. In addition to the books, ABQ Reads provided backpacks and school supplies to more than 200 students in December, demonstrating its commitment to supporting young learners beyond the classroom.
Special guest and children’s book author Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw joined the event at Atrisco Elementary, delighting students with classroom readings that brought stories to life.
Sinta O'Connor, a Title I Teacher and ABQ Reads Site Coordinator at Whittier Elementary School, emphasized the program’s lasting impact.
"What I love about Albuquerque Reads is the impact that it makes on a child's literacy journey,” O'Connor said. “The program helps build the foundation for reading and academic success by providing personalized attention and focused learning in a positive and welcoming environment. Our tutors feel valued for their time and efforts, while our students feel encouraged and successful as they watch their literacy skills blossom and grow!”
APS Associate Superintendent for Elementary Education Sharon Olguin agreed, noting the gains they’ve seen in the program students.
“ABQ Reads is making a real difference for our Kindergarten and first-grade students at Atrisco, Bel Air and Whittier elementary schools,” Oliguin added. “With caring support and one-on-one time, our young learners are gaining confidence, building strong reading skills and discovering the joy of books.”
ABQ Reads is always looking for more dedicated volunteers to continue its mission of literacy and learning. Do you know someone who would love to make a difference for just 90 minutes a week? Interested volunteers can sign up at abqreads.com.
The impact of ABQ Reads goes far beyond the classroom. It strengthens literacy skills, builds confidence and nurtures a lifelong love of reading—one book at a time.