The Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce has launched a literacy initiative called “Leaders with Readers”, connecting local businesses and community members with 2nd grade students at Adams. Coolidge and Garfield Elementary Schools.
Starting on the week of Oct. 12, Reading Partners associated with the initiative will work one-on-one with students in need of additional literacy help during a 30-minute time slot each week through May 1, 2027. Activities will vary by school and student needs and teachers will reading materials.
“I believe Leaders with Readers gives local businesses a meaningful way to invest directly in the future workforce and future leaders of our community,” said Jesse Ashlock, chair of the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce. “By consistently volunteering for just 30 minutes with a student, employees can build relationships, encourage literacy, and show young people that their
community believes in their success. When businesses invest in students today, they are helping strengthen Enid’s workforce, schools, and community for tomorrow.”
The new initiative will be run throughout the 2026-27 school year before being evaluated by the Enid Chamber and Enid Public Schools to seek out opportunities to further grow the program.
Recruitment for volunteers is currently underway. Volunteers should be able to commit to the same 30-minute time slot each week, have a reliable form of transportation and meet all Enid Public School volunteer and background-check requirements. Chamber members are preferred, but community are also encouraged to apply. The Chamber is also recruiting Substitute Reading Partners who may not be able to commit to a weekly 30-minute time slot, but can step in when a regular volunteer is unavailable.
Those interested can find the application form here and those looking for more information can call (580) 237-2494 or email Ryan Zaloudek at [email protected]
