Carlow University and the Promise Center of Homewood have launched a joint literacy tutoring initiative for children in Homewood.
The after-school program was developed over several months by Carlow’s College of Education and Social Work in partnership with The Promise Center, Carlow officials said.
It will focus on reading skills, homework support and intervention strategies — including support for students with dyslexia.
“This partnership represents the very heart of Carlow’s mission,” said Keely Baronak, dean of Carlow’s College of Education and Social Work. “I am profoundly grateful to our faculty and staff who bring their expertise, compassion and commitment into the community. Their work reflects Carlow’s deep dedication to supporting children with dyslexia and other literacy needs, and to ensuring that every child is given the tools to thrive.”
The Promise Center was founded by Nate Goodson in 2022. It provides after-school and summer enrichment programming. Officials say the new initiative will address urgent reading challenges facing children in the region.
Elementary-aged children in Homewood attend Faison or Lincoln schools in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
According to the state Department of Education, 18% of Faison students were proficient or advanced in English Language Arts and Literature last school year. At Lincoln, roughly 38% of students were proficient or advanced in English Language Arts and Literature last school year.
“Every child needs a chance to be successful, and that’s starting with the basics — reading, math and work ethic,” Goodson said. “This is why I started The Promise Center, and I know that the partnership with Carlow University’s Education team will be a jumping-off point for many of the kids we serve.”
A kickoff event for the initiative was held last week. It included remarks from Deon Butler, a former NFL player for the Detroit Lions and an advocate for dyslexia awareness.
