Reading Corps Helped Joshua Become a Better Reader — Now, He’s Giving Back

For Joshua, serving as a Math Corps tutor feels a little like coming full circle. Today, he spends his days supporting students in St. Paul, Minnesota. But years ago, Joshua was the one sitting at the tutoring table as a Reading Corps student at Lincoln Center in South St. Paul. 

Now a recent high school graduate and first-year Math Tutor, Joshua is giving back to a program that once supported him and his brothers when they needed it most. 

A Familiar Beginning 

When Joshua was in elementary school, he and his brother received one-on-one tutoring through Reading Corps. He even recently came across his reading activity binder from the program while looking through his old belongings. 

“I remember it being helpful and stress-free,” Joshua says about his experience. “That was a nice thing to reminisce about.” 

That positive experience stayed with him. He didn’t fully grasp the impact it had on him until all these years later when the roles were reversed.

Inspired to Serve 

During his senior year of high school, Joshua attended a career fair and stopped by the Reading and Math Corps table to chat with staff. He took a flyer and tucked it away. After graduation, he rediscovered it and decided to apply. 

“I thought I would give back what was given to me,” Joshua says of what ultimately motivated him to serve. Soon, he started working with 4th through 8th grade students as a tutor at a local charter school. 

Building Confidence 

As a Math Tutor, Joshua leads back-to-back small groups, guiding students with structured practice and skill-building activities. Each 30-minute session includes introducing or reviewing math concepts, working through scripted instruction, and ending with a quick wrap-up to reinforce the lesson from the day. 

Like many first-year tutors — and many students — Joshua is still figuring out his rhythm. 

“At first, they’re trying to get comfortable with this whole new part of their day,” he says. “And since I’m new, I’m also trying to figure things out. We’re kind of working together to figure things out.” 

As the weeks passed, he noticed a shift. Once he found his flow, his students did too. They became more at ease, more engaged, and more willing to connect on an educational and personal level. 

Paying it Forward 

As a former student and Reading Corps participant, Joshua understands firsthand what it feels like to receive extra support in school. Now, he gets to be the steady presence on the other side of the table, helping students build skills and confidence, just as his tutor once did for him. 

After completing his service term, Joshua hopes to join the Air Force. But no matter where his path leads, he’ll carry with him the experience of making an impact in his own community — proof that sometimes the most powerful journeys begin exactly where you started. 

If you’re looking for a way to help learners in your community build foundational skills, visit Join.ReadingandMath.org.