OCALA, Fla. - s4story -- The process to become a ReadingPal is a simple three step process. Pass a Marion County School District background check, attend a workshop and find a school schedule that works for your schedule.

One workshop will be held on September 3^rd at 2 p.m. in the community room of United Way of Marion County located at 1401 N.E. 2^nd Street, Ocala. To register for this session please email jhathaway@uwmc.org.

Another workshop will be held on September 9^th at 9:30 a.m. in the community room of United Way of Marion County at 1401 N.E. 2^nd Street, Ocala. To register for this session please email jhathaway@uwmc.org.

To join ReadingPals, visit uwmc.org/readingpals and complete the volunteer form. For more information, call (352) 732-9696.

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About ReadingPals powered by United Way of Marion County

The program started in 2012 as one of five programs selected for this pilot program in the state of Florida. The Children's Movement worked in partnership with Carol and Barney Barnett  foundation to fund the program. Fast forward to 2026 , there is 15 programs in Florida. All have the common goal to improve the foundational literacy skills of young children, VPK – 3^rd grade.

United Way of Marion County's program focuses on children in kindergarten in 17 select under performing schools. The school district selects the schools. The program starts September 15^th and concludes April 29^th. During that time there are 28 weeks of sessions which are held during the school day on Tuesday and Thursday with 50% of the sessions in the morning.