FSU Reading Clinic Receives $10,000 Donation from First Horizon Bank

Fayetteville, N.C. (December 6, 2022) – The Fayetteville State University Reading Clinic (FSURC) plans to increase the number of area elementary students it serves thanks to a $10,000 donation from First Horizon Bank.

FSURC enables trained university students and volunteers to provide a research-based program free to children in the community who need literacy intervention. Helping children to be proficient in literacy is the primary goal of FSURC. As the pandemic exacerbated the situation of children in our community, FSURC received 217 student applications from parents seeking reading assistance for their child this fall semester, with more coming in daily. The clinic currently provides tutoring services three-times a week to 67 elementary-aged children.

“We don’t want any child in our community falling behind, especially when we know we can help,” said Dr. Ashley Johnson, associate professor of literacy and elementary education at FSU. “This donation will help increase the number of tutors available to help more students reach proficiency in literacy.”

FSURC has a track record of helping students in Cumberland County strengthen their literacy skills, as children receiving services show significant reading growth. FSURC also enables university students to be involved in high-impact practices through this program, extending their growing knowledge of pedagogical, assessment, and differentiation theories and engaging in meaningful experiences that enrich their curriculum knowledge. Additionally, FSU students are involved in ongoing research when tutoring through FSURC.

FSURC has current partnerships with NC State University, Helps Education fund, Cumberland Community Foundation, Cumberland County Schools, ChildTrust Foundation, Anonymous Trust, Harnett County Schools, Fayetteville State University Alumni, and Cumberland International Early College.

The clinic is directed by Dr. Ashley Johnson and Dr. Bradley Mills in the EEMRSE department in the College of Education.

The clinic is currently funded by Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc., ChildTrust Foundation, and Anonymous Trust Foundation.