The Student Literacy Corps (SLC) is a community service program through which Webster students are trained as reading tutors. They then serve in local schools providing one-on-one support to new and struggling readers of all ages.
Created in 1990, this innovative model for education was designed with the dual purpose of benefiting university students through service-learning experience, as well as benefitting low-literacy populations through individualized, consistent tutoring. SLC participation has a transformative impact on both the students it serves and the tutors who assist them.
Making a Difference
Kathryn Hayden, Teacher, Gateway MST Elementary
BA in Elementary Education, ’19
"Tutoring for Webster University's Literacy Corps helped me find my true purpose in life ... I continue to teach students that they can be anything they want to be, if they put their minds to it."
Shelby Morgan
BA in Creative Writing, ’22
“I've found that students, regardless of age, respond really well to our materials. It's always an amazing feeling when students, especially those reluctant to read, learn that there are books out there for them.”
Get Involved
Student Literacy Corps tutors support new and struggling readers through weekly in-person visits to their school. Tutors work closely with their students' teachers to address specific skills and concepts. Their lessons are often supplemented with books and learning activities chosen to meet individual students' interests and needs.
Federal Work-Study
If you are an undergraduate eligible for Federal Work-Study, you may be able to use that award to work with the Student Literacy Corps. Check in with the SLC coordinator and the Student Employment Coordinator to pursue this opportunity.
Contact
Contact Student Literacy Corps Director Kate Northcott in the School of Education for more information about SLC and how to support it or participate.
Phone: 314-968-7479
Email: northcot@webster.edu
Tutors Learning Through Service
Michael Guthrie
A Marine Corps veteran and double major in Secondary Education and History, Michael Guthrie found his calling through SLC. He tutored refugee and immigrant students at Nahed Chapman New American Academy, and described the experience as life-changing.
“I’ve never felt so much pride and satisfaction with any other work. These kids are adjusting to a new culture, just like I did after the military. I connect with that feeling. SLC helped me realize I truly want to teach.”
Guthrie’s dedication earned him the Dean’s Award for Service, and his story reflects the deep personal growth that SLC fosters.
Benjamin Roberts
Now Vice President of Youth and Career Development at Urban Ventures, Benjamin Roberts credits SLC with shaping his career.
"Some of the most meaningful work I remembered doing in my time at Webster was serving in the Student Literacy Corps. I gained some valuable experiences learning to work with children and other youth who needed additional support and positive relationships from caring adults. Kate was a great mentor and helped me understand the change I could make in the community through this work. I'm a better person because of SLC and found my career calling and passion serving youth."
“Being a tutor with SLC ... helped me deepen my passion for teaching. Seeing the joy of learning and 'aha' moments shine on my students' faces was the highlight of every tutoring session.”
MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, ’21