Early Literacy Ambassadors

10/02/2026

Reading groups are up and running! We enjoyed meeting new students and reuniting with old friends. If you can access this article, it confirms that we are using the best approach for struggling readers. Here are the key points:
Most effective: frequent small group tutoring during the school day using the science of reading (a systematic approach to teaching reading that puts a focus on phonics and other evidence-based practices). https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/28/upshot/ideas-fixing-schools-ranked.html

09/25/2026

Today’s the day! ELA needs your support. https://www.earlyliteracyambassadors.com/support-us

09/22/2026

Welcoming Lizzie back for a 3rd year! “Hi my name is Lizzie Yzaguirre, and I am a senior from Houston, Texas. I am a finance major with philosophy and international business minors. I am also a member of Theta Kappa Phi. So excited to volunteer with ELA again!”

09/21/2026

Give like Dolly on 9/25! Check out our fall newsletter for details.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library inspired ELA as we began forming in 2021. She will always inspire us. She puts books in the hands of children. Our vision is to tag in and read those books to them. We serve children whose parents are illiterate and children who have not been signed up to receive...

09/20/2026

Welcome! “Hi my name is Mary Pomeroy and I am a senior English and Creative Writing double major from Franklin, TN! On campus I live at Bairnwick Women’s Center, I’m head poetry editor of Mountain Goat Journal, and I work at the Writing Center as well as Cup and Gown and The Caverns. I’m so happy to be working with ELA this year!!”

09/17/2026

We had so much fun kicking off Story Time at the Head Start centers in Grundy County. A little someone wanted a closer look!

09/16/2026

Please join us in welcoming new Ambassador, Amanda Shelton! Amanda is a senior neuroscience and psychology double major from Nashville, TN. On campus, she is in charge of Pro-Choice Sewanee and plays oboe in the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra. She is also a member of the Sewanee Guild of Change ringers at Breslin Tower!

09/15/2026

We are excited to reintroduce a returning Ambassador! “Hi, my name is Cara Chaffin, and I am a junior from Texas! I am a biology major and a Spanish minor. I am also on the Sewanee women’s soccer team and am a member of TKP! I am so excited to be working with ELA this semester!”

09/14/2026

Reading intervention support is starting today. We are thrilled to introduce one of our new Ambassadors, Ashton Mize! “I love reading and writing. What’s taking up the most of my time right now is publishing a children’s book! I work at Animal Harbor for Bonner/Canale. I’m a Kappa Delta, women’s bible study leader for CRU and in theatre!”

09/05/2026

It’s International Day of Charity! ELA would appreciate your help as we begin our 5th year of reading intervention programs. Find out about our Sponsor a Student program and donate here:

Partner With Us Please consider supporting us with your tax-deductible donation. This year’s average cost per student is $700. While respecting each student’s privacy, we will provide sponsors with a progress update and the student’s first name. We invite you to choose one of the following lev...