Power Lunch Literacy

Building Relationships Through reading

Volunteer

Power Lunch

Your employees will call it the highlight of their week. Our kids will feel its impact for the rest of their lives. We know that students who read at-grade-level by third grade are much more likely be successful throughout their school years. Through Power Lunch, a collaboration between the DPS Foundation, Mile High United Way, Denver Public Schools, and the Office of Family and Community Engagement, businesses adopt a classroom of second- or third-graders and read to students once a week for 45 minutes. Reading pairs are maintained throughout the school year, so kids make measurable gains in literacy while benefiting from a strong relationship with a caring adult. 

Power Lunch Literacy

Building Relationships Through Reading
The Denver Public Schools Foundation and local businesses and community organizations (big and small) are teaming up to help our early readers become strong readers by third grade. The Power Lunch program is a collaboration between Denver Public Schools Foundation, Mile High United Way, the Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE), and Denver Public schools that allows businesses to assemble a team of employees to adopt a DPS second or third grade classroom and read to students once a week. Power Lunch not only benefits the students, but also improves employee morale, enhances teamwork and fosters a unique and deeply impactful corporate presence in the community.

Power Lunch groups visit their school once a week for 45-minute reading sessions.

Each tutor works with the same student throughout the school year, building a deep and meaningful rapport and mentoring relationship.
School sites are located throughout the Denver-metro area, and transportation from your office to your school can be arranged on a DPS school bus – an added opportunity for your employees to bond!
Volunteers have the option to pair with another volunteer, allowing them to alternate weeks.
Feedback from volunteers indicates they have deep engagement in the program and develop a meaningful mentor relationship with their student over the course of the year.
No experience is necessary; the program provides all the training you will need!
All volunteers must complete a DPS background check.
Power Lunch volunteers and their businesses receive support throughout the program, particularly from dedicated staff which ensure a seamless experience for every participant. The Denver Public Schools Foundation collaborates with DPS’ FACE team to deliver exceptional volunteer and partnership experiences to Power Lunch readers including coordination, training and classroom support.

What are the Results?

The goal of Power Lunch is to strengthen each student’s reading skills to be at grade level or beyond by the end of third grade. The program is also designed to build their confidence and to help them succeed in school. Power Lunch combines high-dosage literacy and mentorship to increase student engagement, improve attendance and raise reading scores for hundreds of third grade students in some of DPS’ highest-need schools.

Based on the evaluation data from Denver Public Schools from the initial pilot year, the Power Lunch program has produced some impressive results. Here are a few highlights:

100% of surveyed teachers stated that Power Lunch helped their students develop fluency vocabulary, confidence as well as the ability to bond with an adult.
100% of surveyed teachers said Power Lunch provided their students with a positive role model who helped their students appreciate the value of reading.
91% of volunteers said Power Lunch made their workday more enjoyable.
95% of volunteers stated they built a positive relationship with their reading buddy.
91% of volunteers surveyed said that Power Lunch provided them with an opportunity to make a difference in early literacy.
95% of volunteers would recommend Power Lunch to others.

How to Get Involved:

Power Lunch is a unique opportunity for your company and your employees to make a difference in the lives of students. We invite you to adopt a classroom and help students develop a love of reading.

Together, we can do more! Join our movement to create a great future for our kids. Learn more and contact Hannah Cooper at hcooper@dpsfoundation.org.

Power Lunch IS POSSIBLE FOR EVERY STUDENT WITH YOUR SUPPORT

Make a secure, online donation today!