Every child has the capacity to achieve, but many lack the tools & support they need. Traveling Stories empowers children to achieve their dreams by providing one-on-one literacy support & mentorship. Founded in 2010, we've impacted over 7,000 children in San Diego County so far! Traditionally we provided literacy support through in-person StoryTents at malls and farmers markets. In 2020, because of COVID-19, we pivoted to an online program model. Our Virtual StoryTent program matches students in 1st-3rd grade with trained reading mentors for weekly, one-on-one reading sessions via video call! Children who participate in the program increase their reading level, grow their confidence, and spend more time reading for fun! Why 3rd grade reading? First we learn to read, then we read to learn. 82% of low-income children can't read at grade level by the 4th grade, & that puts them on the dropout track.