Power Lunch

Power Lunch sparks enthusiasm for reading in kindergarten through third graders by matching students with volunteer reading mentors from participating corporations in the Boston area.

Each reading mentor serves as a role model, providing guidance in school and career choices while encouraging an enthusiasm for books and reading. During their weekly meetings, reading mentors and their students read aloud, play word games, talk about common interests and hobbies and, of course, have fun!

Power Lunch mentors are asked to commit either one hour per week during a student’s lunch break for the duration of the school year or to visit their student every other weeks by alternating with a  co-worker. Ideally, students will work with the same mentor(s) over three years.

Boston Partners in Education takes care of all management aspects of the program and makes the involvement of our corporate partners stress-free. 

"My student told me about a news story he had seen on the television. He was very excited about a gorilla that had escaped from the zoo. I brought in a full article for him from the newspaper and he was able to read the entire story and seemed to really enjoy it. I thought it was great he was interested in a current event!"
— Power Lunch volunteer

Prior to volunteering, mentors receive an orientation at their office that provides them information about reading techniques, the principles of effective mentoring, and the Boston Public Schools.  

Corporate partners contribute annually at one of a variety of partnership levels.  These contributions offset the costs of the program.  Corporations receive individualized benefits based on their level of sponsorship.

“At the end, I was really sad. We took pictures and made a card. I still have them.”

  -- Former Power Lunch student

Hear from a second year volunteer why he makes the time for Power Lunch:

Power Lunch can also have great benefits for your employee workforce
and corporate image:

• Improves employee morale and productivity
• Aids with employee relationship and team building
• Enables your company to participate in and give back to the Boston community
• Builds a stronger future workforce

Check out a great infographic by Deloitte, "Employee Volunteering Brings in Happiness"

For more information or to sign up for Power Lunch, please contact Rachel Wexler, 617-451-6145