At the heart of Washtenaw Promise is a belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.
Our mentoring programs bring that belief to life by building meaningful, consistent relationships between trusted adults and young children in underserved classrooms across Washtenaw County. These connections create lasting change—fostering confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging in students who face significant barriers to success.
Our mentoring efforts come to life through two cornerstone programs—Big Friends and Read With Kids. These initiatives are embedded in the school day and designed to uplift students in underserved classrooms through consistent, caring adult relationships. Each program has a distinct focus but shares the same goal: to nurture connection, confidence, and early learning.
Big Friends is a one-on-one mentoring program developed in collaboration with the Ypsilanti Community School District. It pairs dedicated adult volunteers with preschool and early elementary students for regular in-classroom visits throughout the school year. Mentors engage with students through play, conversation, and hands-on activities, becoming trusted friends who help each child feel seen, supported, and safe. Big Friends are not tutors or disciplinarians—they’re consistent, positive adult presences in children’s lives at a critical stage in their development. Volunteers receive orientation and ongoing support, and many return year after year, building strong relationships with both students and teachers.
In partnership with the Children’s Literacy Network, Read With Kids places volunteers in preschool and early elementary classrooms to support the development of reading and language skills. Mentors work one-on-one or in small groups with students, focusing on letter recognition, vocabulary, phonemic awareness, and the joy of storytelling. Sessions often include shared reading, literacy games, and personalized encouragement that builds confidence and fosters a lifelong love of books. Volunteers follow a structured curriculum and receive training to ensure consistency and effectiveness. By working directly with classroom teachers, Read With Kids mentors provide critical support during the most important years of a child’s literacy journey.
Children in underserved communities face a wide range of challenges, from food insecurity and housing instability to inconsistent access to educational resources. In the face of these obstacles, consistent adult relationships can be life-changing.
Mentors offer more than just academic support—they provide encouragement, empathy, and a steady presence in a child’s life. Research shows that students with mentors are more likely to attend school regularly, perform better academically, and develop stronger social-emotional skills.
Our volunteers range from college students to retirees—and all share a desire to help kids thrive. We provide training, support, and a community of like-minded mentors who care deeply about equity in education. Join us in building the relationships that help kids dream bigger and reach further.
Empowering young children in underserved communities through literacy, confidence, and social-emotional growth — supported by volunteers, educator development, and strong community partnerships.
