Together we build brighter futures and stronger communities through reading.

Forward Scholars is a community volunteer tutoring program focused on helping K-3rd graders who are not yet reading at grade level.

The program began in the fall of 2022 in 5 MPS schools and was wildly successful. Students grew nearly twice the expected yearly reading growth. For the 2023-2024 school year, we expanded our program to serve more than 180 MPS students in 7 schools and students made even more growth! Our tutored students gained an average of two grade levels in reading accuracy & fluency after eight months of tutoring. Our program is flourishing and we plan to grow for the 2024-2025 school year.

Forward Scholars was initiated by Common Ground, a 15-year-old community organizing group with a track record of success in a number of areas, including education. Common Ground’s leaders listened to community members and took action.