About Read for America

Read for America offers a FREE and convenient way for parents to encourage their children to develop a love of reading with the help of dedicated high school and college Reading Buddies who engage in e-book read-aloud with their Little Buddies.

Parents schedule online buddy read-aloud practice sessions that last 30 minutes to one hour. Children (Little Buddies) practice buddy reading at home on a tablet or PC under the supervision of their parents, receiving enthusiastic tutoring from their Reading Big Buddies.

This educational partnership helps students improve their reading proficiency and comprehension, fostering a love of reading that can last a lifetime.

Our Story

Originally a local project launched by students attending Emerson Academy in Naples, Florida, Book Buddies Online, was rebranded in 2024 to Read for America. Critical reading tutoring services provided by RFA, a 501c3 non-profit organization is now a nationwide initiative supporting emerging readers, developing readers and newcomers, English language learners in 2nd-10th grades. Our highly selective process recruits exceptional high school and college Big Reading Buddies to ensure the highest quality support for our readers.

Meet the Team

  • William McCormick, PhD, MBA

    FOUNDER & CEO

  • Maria McCormick

    SUSTAINIBILITY DIRECTOR

  • Dayana O. Philippi, Ed.D.

    TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Email the Team

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Highlights

  • Received the 2021 Human Needs Award from the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.

  • A strong community initiative to foster reading skills and a love for literature among young students.

  • Nationwide expansion to support readers and positively change the trajectory of their lives.