Student

We empower individuals
through literacy.

At Project Read, we’re committed to helping adults age 16 and up who read and write below a seventh grade level. All students must have basic English speaking competency before they can enter the program. Those who do not meet this requirement will be referred to an ESOL Program.

Refer A Student

Do you know someone who struggles with reading and writing? Project Read provides one-on-one tutoring for adults who:

  • Are 16 years and older,
  • Speak English fluently, and
  • Read or write below a 7th grade level
Student Resources

Project Read offers many resources to its students to help them meet their goals and prepare for their next step in life. Whether you’re trying to get into college or get a better job, we can help you find the resources you need to be ready.

Student Success

Project Read is proud of all our students and their accomplishments.

View Calendar

See our calendar to find out what’s going on at Project Read! Sign up to attend an orientation, find out more about our Literacy Lab, or join us for our Annual Student Recognition.

“I’ve always wanted to read, but I’ve just never been able to do it own my own,” Project Read student Valerie Roberts Curtis laments. “But as my tutors helped me I began to realize that I was actually learning this stuff. I remember the most important thing to me after I started was when I could drive down the road, look at a semi-truck, and be able to read the words on the side of the truck. It was exciting to me! Before, I couldn’t concentrate long enough to sound it out. But now I could read the truck! I could read what it said.”- Valerie
“Project Read has changed my life. When I came here, I had no confidence. Now I can do things. I can understand when people talk to me, and I have a much better position at work.”- Irina
Student Success Stories

Troy Smothers headshotBefore 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.”

Troy Smothers
Read More Successes
Frequently Asked Questions

Where Is The Project Read Office?

The Project Read Office is located in room 215 of the Provo City Library at Academy Square . Enter the library from the front doors facing University Avenue and then turn left. Our office is the third door on the left.

Do You Teach English Classes?

Project Read does not teach English classes. Project Read is a literacy organization whose mission is to help students improve their English reading and writing skills. To qualify for Project Read tutoring services, non-native English speaking students must pass an English proficiency exam. Students that do not pass this exam are referred to an English Language Learner (ELL) program. After acquiring a basic English speaking competency, students can enroll in Project Read.

What Times Are Classes Held?

Project Read provides individual (one-on-one) literacy services so the “classes” are held whenever the library is open (9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mon-Fri and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sat) and whenever you are available.

What are the lab hours?

Literacy Labs are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from: 1:00-2:30 pm and from 5:30-7:00 pm. We do reserve the right to cancel or change lab schedules as needed and will post notification as soon as possible.

More Frequently Asked Questions
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