Knowing how to read is the key to any kind of learning, and it's the basis of a United Way initiative to get all third-graders reading at grade level by 2018.

Learn United currently targets 14 schools in all four Allen County school districts, but 250 volunteers are still needed to make sure all students can be involved.

“It's a critical opportunity for our community to come together to change the lives of young children over time,” said Jerry Peterson, president/CEO of the United Way of Allen County, during a news conference Wednesday to announce the need for assistance.

Information provided by the United Way says that 1,000 local children do not pass the ISTEP reading test each year, and, with that in mind, studies show that 74 percent of those kids who fall behind by third grade never catch up, according to a news release. Third grade is said to be the time when children stop learning to read and start reading to learn.

“We're giving them something more than the skills,” said Fort Wayne Community Schools Superintendent Wendy Robinson. “We're giving them the attention (and a role model).”

There are a variety of chances to volunteer with children in kindergarten through third grade including Real Men Read, Study Connection and a new seven-week writing program to be offered in January.

“We'll really work with the volunteers and find the right opportunity for them,” said Mary Tyndall, communication coordinator for the United Way. There are more than 500 slots available.

During the one-hour sessions, volunteers work with the children on reading - such as reading to them or listening to them read - vocabulary, fluency and reading comprehension.

“There are a lot of things that people can do. It's not rocket science,” said Jamie Garwood, coordinator of Learn United, adding the volunteers go through two-hour training sessions to give them tips to help the kids.

Garwood has a goal of adding schools each semester until all elementary schools in Allen County are included.

“Our children need the support of everyone in the community to help them achieve success,” Robinson said in a news release. “While we work tirelessly in the schools, we can't do it alone. The volunteers that come into our schools provide a tremendous service for our students in terms of providing new voices in encouraging them academically and serving as role models.”