At a time when literacy is more important than ever, a quiet transformation is taking place inside the walls of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rockford—and it's being led by students who once hesitated to read a single word aloud.
In recent months, club staff have witnessed what they call “remarkable changes” among members, particularly those learning English as a second language (ESL). Students who once sat silently during reading time are now finding their voices—literally.
“I’ve seen ESL students gain the confidence to read aloud in small groups,” said Heather Carguillo, director of academic success, at Boys and Girls Club of Rockford. “It’s a big deal. These are kids who wouldn’t read aloud before, and now they’re doing it—comfortably, with their peers.”
That confidence is rippling beyond the page. Book clubs—once just an idea—have sparked real excitement, with students not only asking when the next one will begin, but also eagerly suggesting which books to read next. “They’re owning it,” Carguillo said. “That’s how you know it’s working.”
The energy isn’t going unnoticed. With this momentum building, the program’s focus for the upcoming school year will be squarely on literacy, with plans to embed it across all club sites.
“We’re making literacy our main focus,” Carguillo concluded. “It’s clear that when you give kids the tools and the space, they’ll rise to the occasion. We can’t wait to see where this goes next.”