In 2021, OpenDoors launched a peer to peer literacy program called “AVL Rise”, in partnership with Buncombe County and consultant Mark Hecker, founder of Reach Incorporated, in Washington, DC.
OpenDoors recruits, trains, and hires High School students at living wage to serve as tutors for a matched number of struggling early elementary readers. Tutors are trained twice weekly and then paired students meet twice weekly at Hall Fletcher elementary, resulting in improved literacy outcomes for both tutors and students. Tutors also gain leadership skills, improve financial literacy, build mentor relationships, and grow their resumes.
To deepen our commitment to AVL Rise and strengthen the cohesiveness among the students, OpenDoors’ AVL Rise and Arts Director, David Kennedy, worked with high school senior, Khalid Jean, local music producer, Nex Millen, recorded at Citizen Vinyl, and was filmed by BClip Productions to craft “Every Day We Rise” as our theme song, featuring AVL Rise students in the music video.
OpenDoors students rise every day to meet their potential, to face barriers, and become first generation college students. Together, we eliminate the race-based opportunity and achievement gaps so that our community becomes a city in which all students can THRIVE.
OpenDoors of Asheville
Breaking the cycle of poverty through education, one child at a time.
