Pre-K Koreh’s Latest Initiative With Teens

This year, Pre-K KOREH welcomed 83 new teen volunteers through its latest initiative, Teen Literacy Corps (TLC).

Christian, Cleveland High School student, coloring with Cleveland E.E.C. preschooler.

Based on the successful KOREH L.A. model of partnering teens with elementary school students, Pre-K KOREH piloted the program with Grover Cleveland High School, training 83 high school students to become reading partners to preschoolers at Canoga Early Education Center, Cleveland Early Education Center and Cleveland High School's Children's Center. Cleveland Early Education Center is a unique preschool on campus that serves the children of teen mothers enrolled at Cleveland High School to enable them to continue their education.

Jasmine, Cleveland High School student, lending a hand to her reading partner.

The Pre-K KOREH teen volunteers are part of a high school program that prepares them for careers in education upon graduation from high school. The Pre-K KOREH program provides them with hands-on experience with children and gives them the additional support they need to achieve success with these preschoolers. The feedback from the high school and preschool teachers has been unanimous in its praise. The teens are given an opportunity to serve as positive role models as they form mutually beneficial relationships with the preschool children. These relationships, in turn, enhance the teen’s sense of worth and connectedness to school. Research indicates that they also result in improved academic achievement, better attendance, lower drop-out rates and decreased incidents of anti-social behavior for the teens. Gains for the preschoolers include increased interest in reading, and enhanced self-esteem and social skills. The connection with the teens and preschoolers is especially beneficial to the preschoolers because not only are they able to relate to the teens that are closer in age, but these teens are also from similar backgrounds which increases the comfort level and understanding.

This pilot program has been so successful that Pre-K KOREH would like to expand its reach to include more high school programs in the coming year.