Nearly 600 Syracuse students benefit as Book Buddies seeks 175 more volunteers
The United Way of CNY’s Book Buddies program is serving nearly 600 Syracuse elementary students, but 175 more volunteers are needed to meet the demand for reading support, according to Syracuse.com. The push for volunteers highlights a growing need for literacy help in Syracuse schools as the fall semester continues.
Nearly 600 elementary students in the Syracuse City School District are getting one-on-one reading support through the Book Buddies program, but the United Way of Central New York says 175 more volunteers are needed to reach all students who could benefit, Syracuse.com reports.
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The United Way of CNY launched Book Buddies to pair adult volunteers with young readers in Syracuse schools. This fall, the program is active in multiple elementary schools across the city, including schools in neighborhoods like Eastwood, the North Side, and Tipp Hill. The shortage of volunteers means some students are still waiting for a reading partner as the semester moves into November.
By The Numbers
- 600: Syracuse elementary students currently served by Book Buddies, according to Syracuse.com
- 175: Additional volunteers needed for the program, per Syracuse.com
- 1: JMA Wireless Dome hosting the Section III marching band showdown this weekend, per Syracuse.com
What’s new: A growing need for reading support
The call for 175 more volunteers is the largest the Book Buddies program has made this school year, according to Syracuse.com. The United Way of CNY is asking community members to step in as reading partners, with the goal of reaching every student who needs extra help with literacy skills.
Book Buddies volunteers typically spend about an hour each week reading with a student. They offer encouragement, help build confidence, and give kids a chance to practice reading aloud in a supportive setting. Volunteers work with students in grades K-4, focusing on foundational reading skills that are critical for later academic success.
The program supplements classroom instruction, giving students more opportunities to read outside of regular lessons. Teachers in Syracuse elementary schools have requested more Book Buddies placements this year, especially for students who are reading below grade level or who need extra practice with vocabulary and comprehension.
With nearly 600 students already matched, Book Buddies is one of the largest volunteer-driven literacy efforts in Central New York schools. The need for more volunteers reflects both the scale of the program and the ongoing challenges many Syracuse students face in reading proficiency.
According to Syracuse.com, the United Way of CNY has seen a steady increase in requests from schools since the start of the 2026-27 school year. The organization says the gap between available volunteers and students needing help has grown, especially in schools on the South Side and in neighborhoods like Westcott and Strathmore.
Why this matters for Central New York families
For families in Syracuse and neighboring towns like DeWitt, Salina, and Geddes, the Book Buddies program offers a direct way to support local students and schools. With the Syracuse City School District serving thousands of children across neighborhoods like Eastwood, Tipp Hill, and the North Side, the need for literacy support is widespread.
Reading proficiency in early grades is a key predictor of later academic success. According to state education data, only about 30% of Syracuse third graders met or exceeded grade-level expectations in English Language Arts last year. Programs like Book Buddies can help close gaps for students who may not have access to extra reading help at home.
The United Way’s call for 175 more volunteers means there are still many children waiting for the extra boost that a reading partner can provide. For some families, especially those with parents working multiple jobs or facing language barriers, Book Buddies is the only consistent one-on-one reading support their child receives each week.
For those interested in getting involved, the program offers flexible scheduling and training for new volunteers. The United Way of CNY coordinates placements across multiple Syracuse elementary schools, making it possible for residents from across Onondaga County to participate. Volunteers can choose schools close to home, whether that’s out in Caz, over near Manlius Center, or down on James Street.
Book Buddies also works with local colleges, including Syracuse University and Le Moyne, to recruit student volunteers. Retirees and working adults from across the city and suburbs have also joined the effort, according to Syracuse.com. The program’s flexibility allows volunteers to read with students before school, during lunch, or after dismissal, depending on their schedules.
For more on education trends and opportunities to help, see our Syracuse schools coverage.
Context: Literacy efforts and community engagement in Syracuse
The Book Buddies program is part of a broader push to improve literacy rates in Syracuse schools. According to Syracuse.com, the United Way of CNY has expanded the initiative in response to ongoing demand from teachers and families. The program’s growth this fall comes as schools across Central New York continue to recover from pandemic-related disruptions and focus on foundational skills.
Volunteer-driven programs like Book Buddies have a long history in Syracuse, where community organizations often step in to support schools. The need for 175 more volunteers this year is notable, as it signals both the popularity of the program and the scale of the challenge facing local educators.
In neighborhoods like Strathmore and Westcott, as well as in nearby towns, the call for volunteers is a reminder of the ways residents can make a difference in local schools. The United Way’s effort is one of several community initiatives highlighted in recent community events coverage on CNY Signal.
Book Buddies is not the only literacy effort in Syracuse, but it is one of the few that relies entirely on volunteers. Other programs, such as after-school tutoring and summer reading camps, often have limited capacity or require district funding. The United Way’s approach allows the program to reach more students without adding costs for families or schools.
Related events: Marching bands and community spirit at the Dome
While the Book Buddies program focuses on literacy, other community events are drawing families to Syracuse schools and landmarks this week. Syracuse.com reports that the JMA Wireless Dome will host the Section III marching band showdown on Sunday, bringing together students from across the state.
Events like these highlight the role of schools as community centers in Central New York. Whether through reading programs or music competitions, Syracuse schools are at the center of local life this fall.
The Section III marching band showdown at the Dome is expected to bring hundreds of students and families downtown. The event, which features bands from schools across Onondaga, Madison, and Oswego counties, gives students a chance to perform on a big stage and brings a boost to local businesses near the Dome on game days.
Where to check for updates
For the latest on the Book Buddies program and volunteer opportunities, visit the United Way of Central New York’s website. For ongoing coverage of education and community events, check the Syracuse schools and community events pages on CNY Signal.
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Sources
- Syracuse.com, Book Buddies volunteer need and student count
- Syracuse.com, Section III marching band event at JMA Wireless Dome
