DC Reads is an umbrella organization that aims to improve education outcomes for DC area students. It is a joint effort of American University, its students, DC Public Schools, and community-based organizations to support literacy in Washington, DC.

In order to be a DC Reads Education Advocate at AU, you must:

• Be a student in good academic standing
• Provide a negative TB test result from within the last 12 months
• Complete a DCPS fingerprint screening and background check

If you are interested in DC Reads and are eligible to be an Education Advocate, apply through the DC Reads GivePulse page. Our office will contact you to schedule an interview.

You will complete a TB risk assessment to determine whether you need a TB test. If you have traveled outside of the U.S. for an extensive amount of time or are an international student, you will most likely need a TB test. 

DCPS requires that all Education Advocates receive a background check with fingerprinting. This semester, DCPS will be using Fieldprint to meet this requirement. Fieldprint has locations across the United States, making it easy for Education Advocates outside of DC to complete this step. More information about fingerprinting will be provided by the DC Reads team upon hiring.

Yes. Training will consist of an introductory session for all Education Advocates, Bi-weekly meetings with your Team Leaders, and outside opportunities recommended by DC Reads Staff.

Training sessions focus on the following areas:

• DC Reads 101: Role and responsibilities as a DC Reads Education Advocate
• Diversity and Inclusion as it applies to DC Reads
• Breakout sessions with your Team Leaders and Community Partners

During regular in-person sessions, DC Reads covers travel costs through a partnership with Lyft. Additionally, some sites are metro accessible and students can use their AU administered metro card. 

To become a community partner site, please email jortiz@american.edu. 

New Community Partner Applications will soon be available via GivePulse. 

Federal Work Study awards are determined by the Financial Aid Office. 

Students with a FWS award should apply via GivePulse. Once they complete an interview and are hired, AU Human Resources will send them a digital hiring packet which must be completed prior to going to site. 

For questions regarding work study, please email dcreadsfws@american.edu.

If you use all of your work study award before the end of the semester, we encourage you continue tutoring as a volunteer. 

myau.american.edu → Work @ AU → Eagle Service (Timesheet) → Time Entry

givepulse.com → Group → Calendar Schedule

If you are having any issues regarding timesheets or payroll, contact dcreadsfws@american.edu.

On the AU Portal, click on Work @ AU and then "Eagle Service - Financial Information." Follow the instructions to register your account.

Setting up direct deposit for financial aid is not the same as for payroll, so you will need to complete the process even if you already set it up for tuition payments.

If you have issues, contact dcreadsfws@american.edu.

Tutoring over the summer is currently only available to students with a summer federal work study award. Programs are 6-8 weeks long, and work weeks are generally 9 am-5 pm. Contact dcreadsfws@american.edu for more information.