Augustine Literacy Project of the Upstate

09/07/2026

Looking for book recommendations that set young readers up for success? 📚✨ For National Literacy Month, we are shining a spotlight on one of our absolute favorite learning tools: decodable books. Unlike leveled readers that often encourage children to guess words from pictures, decodable books are systematically designed to align with explicit phonics instruction. Every story uses letter-sound patterns and high-frequency words that a child has already been taught.

Why do we use them so much?
• Zero Guessing: Readers rely on phonics code, not context clues or pictures.
• Immediate Mastery: Practicing skills in real text reinforces direct instruction.
• Lasting Confidence: Children experience genuine success sounding out words on their own.

Check out a few engaging titles we love from early novels to phonics comics. What decodable series is a favorite in your home or classroom? Drop your recommendations below! 👇

09/05/2026

We’re so grateful for our Greenville community and everyone who supports our young readers. 💙
Thank you, Greenville Journal, for sharing our story—and thank you to every tutor, school partner, donor, and community member who makes this work possible. 💙📚

Interested in making a difference? Reach out to learn about our next volunteer tutor training class! 📝

20 years. 220 tutors. Over 18,000 lessons. One mission: helping kids fall in love with reading.

Since 2006, Augustine Literacy Project of the Upstate has been pairing trained volunteer tutors with K-3rd graders who need extra support, free of charge.

The result? Kids who once struggled are now saying "I love reading now," and teachers are watching their students "stand taller."

https://greenvillejournal.com/forces-of-philanthropy/augustine-literary-project-of-the-upstate/

09/03/2026

Two hours a week can make a meaningful difference in a child’s reading journey. Augustine Literacy Project volunteer tutors strengthen foundational skills, build confidence, and help students discover the joy of reading. Ready to change a child’s future, two hours at a time? Visit our website to learn about becoming a volunteer tutor. 💙📚

08/31/2026

Learning grows one sound, one word, and one encouraging tutor at a time. 📚 These bright young readers are building confidence and skills through consistent, individualized literacy support. We are so proud of their hard work and the dedicated volunteer tutors who walk alongside them each week. Every child deserves the chance to become a confident reader. 💙

08/27/2026

We equip every ALP tutor with the training, tools, and support they need to help a child learn to read. 💙 Want to join us? September tutor training information is on our website.

08/24/2026

Under the Stars at the Cliffs CRO Fundraiser Gala, Board Chair Denise Ruby and Executive Director Sandi Smith celebrated a shared commitment to helping struggling readers living in poverty gain the literacy skills and confidence they need for a brighter future. We are so grateful to CRO Glassy for investing in the success of our students.

08/24/2026

You too can help a struggling student say “I’m a reader!” Train to be a volunteer in September, and start making a difference. Tutor one child, change two lives.

08/20/2026

Last school year, 63 dedicated tutors served 77 students through Augustine Literacy Project of the Upstate. Their time, encouragement, and one-on-one reading support helped children build the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

This year, you can be one of them. Join our community of trained volunteer tutors and help a child discover the power of reading. Learn more and get involved today!

08/19/2026

Our Executive Director attended the Greenville County Council meeting last night, where County Council recognized local nonprofits and the impact we make in our community in celebration of National Nonprofit Day. Thank you to Greater Good Greenville for organizing this recognition and for all you do to support nonprofits across our community.

08/18/2026

We are grateful to Christ Church Episcopal School for including ALP Upstate in its Middle School Book Fair on August 25! CCES has generously invited the community to shop at the fair and will donate books to support our young readers. Thank you, Christ Church Episcopal School, for this thoughtful partnership and for helping put more books in the hands of children. 💙📚