Before Troy Smothers came to Project Read he was getting by on a second-grade reading level and was working for minimum wage. Though Troy was a high school graduate, he couldn’t read the simplest book. He always wanted the ability to read and write with some proficiency, and in his late 20’s he knew he would never get ahead in life without making some changes.

All new Project Read students participate in a goal setting session where they identify the goals they would like to accomplish in the program. When Troy entered the program, his goal was to open his own business. Over the next three years, Troy met with his tutor, who he called “Miss Carol,” twice a week in the old Provo Library on Center Street. Their ninety-minute sessions included instruction in basic reading and writing.

After every 50 hours of instruction Troy would retest to determine level gains. Troy graduated from Project Read when his reading and writing proficiency reached a ninth grade level. With his new skills he was able to pass the tests to become a pilot, general contractor, and insurance salesman. Troy now owns several successful businesses in Pleasant Grove and each year gives back thousands of dollars to the organization that he says “revolutionized his life.”

“I love seeing other people improve their lives as their confidence grows,” Troy said. “Opportunities increase as they develop their ability to read and write.”