About Husky Reads

Husky Reads volunteers are UConn undergraduates who visit preschools and public pediatric clinics in Hartford and Willimantic to read books and play games with children waiting for appointments with their medical providers. The program is modeled on the national Reach Out and Read Program (link to ROAR*) and is funded by the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Education Program and the University of Connecticut. All games, educational materials and activities that our volunteers use in the clinics integrate literacy and nutrition education.

Husky Reads provides UConn students with experiences working with children in preschool and clinical settings, which is especially useful to students planning to apply to professional programs or graduate school in health sciences, family studies, education, and the social sciences. For some students, the motivation to participate is that they are able to practice Spanish in a friendly, low-stress environment. For others, this experience gives them a way to get off campus once a week and to "play" with the children at sites.

Students participating in Husky Reads make a commitment to spend four hours per week for the whole semester. Participating students may volunteer for the program or receive course credit.

Students who have successfully completed one semester of Husky Reads are eligible to apply for more advanced opportunities in community nutrition, such as nutrition classes in after school programs, becoming involved in research projects, and working directly with dietitians in community settings on special projects.

For additional information about Husky Reads, please contact the Husky Reads staff at huskyreads@uconn.edu, or telephone (860) 486-5015.