BALTIMORE - Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin today presented a $250,000 check to Baltimore Reads for its after school tutoring program to help elementary school children improve their reading scores. Rep. Cardin fought to get this special appropriation in the recently enacted Omnibus Budget Bill because "Baltimore Reads has a successful track record in helping non-readers become literate. We must do all we can to help our children become successful readers -- their future depends on it."

According to the latest Maryland School Performance Assessment Program Report (MSAP), 56.7 percent of Maryland children read below grade level. Baltimore Reads is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for educationally disadvantaged adults, children, and families.

In addition to the Ripken Learning Center, which prepares adults for the world of work, Baltimore Reads also provides after-school tutoring to elementary school children. Currently, Baltimore Reads provides tutoring to 1,000 educationally at-risk elementary school children to develop strong reading skills. It hopes to use the $250,000 check presented by Rep. Cardin to expand its tutoring program to an additional five to 10 schools in the Baltimore area. "In presenting this $250,000 check, I am pleased to be able to help young readers develop their skill and proficiency. Reading is the key to success and I am impressed by Baltimore Reads' aggressive tutoring program to help young readers," said Rep. Cardin.

"Baltimore Reads appreciates this opportunity to bring after-school programming to children in our community," said Maggi Gains, Executive Director of Baltimore Reads. "For over five years, we have provided tutoring services outside the school day to ensure that children gain the critical reading comprehension and fluency skills essential for continued academic success. Baltimore Reads appreciates Rep. Cardin's outstanding leadership and commitment to increase the availability of after-school programs to serve even more children."