The people behind
Uplift don't think all of the kids of today learn to read in the same tried and true ways pioneered yesterday. It's why the Detroit-based non-profit came up with its STRONG READER program.
The program lets students learn through an Internet-style computer class. The program includes video lessons, video games, avatars and puzzles.
"When you put kids on the computer you find that they're very tech savy, even though they might not do well in math or science," says Ida Byrd, president of Uplift.
The program has won Educational Program of the Year from Automation Alley last year. It helped move some special-needs students (adjudicated youth or economically disadvantaged) from the 4.2 to 7.8 grade level in less than a year.
The program will be distributed through
Cyber School. For information on it call 877-4CYBER0 or (313) 483-2126.
Uplift is 11 years old and employs three people. It also has four interns.
Source: Ida Byrd, president of Uplift
Writer: Jon Zemke
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