Read to Thrive runs volunteer-led literacy sessions and book clubs for youth ages 6–14, sparking lifelong curiosity, confidence, and a passion for reading.
Our Mission
Read to Thrive brings books and dedicated volunteers to children who need them the most.
We pair the students with volunteers who care. Through focused, one-on-one literacy sessions across California, India, and the virtual world, we help kids build the reading skills and confidence they need to become confident, lifelong readers.
Learn About Our ProgramsMaking a Difference, One Child at a Time
What We Do
We run literacy sessions and book clubs designed to be engaging, inclusive, and joyful — led by caring volunteers who make every session educational and memorable.
Worldwide - Online
Online sessions bring our programs to kids regardless of their geographical location.
Hyderabad, India
Dedicated volunteers work with the children weekly by giving them educational and engaging experiences.
Bitragunta, India
Our volunteer works with the girls to strengthen their reading comprehension and confidence.
Get Involved
You don't need to be an expert — just a love of reading and a desire to make a difference. Volunteers are the heart of Read to Thrive.
Adhi
Cindy
Haritha
Jaspreet
Olivia
Sajni
Samantha
Eena
Fill out our quick volunteer application to tell us about yourself and your availability.
Review our volunteer handbook and attend a brief orientation to learn how our sessions work.
Be matched with a virtual or in-person session and start making an impact right away.
Make a Difference
Every dollar you give helps us buy books, train volunteers, and bring more children into the joy of reading. Read to Thrive is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and your donation is fully tax-deductible.
Every dollar goes directly to our programs. Donate securely through PayPal — no account required.
501(c)(3) nonprofit · EIN 46-3469777 · tax-deductible · questions?
Leadership
Read to Thrive is guided by a passionate board of directors committed to literacy, equity, and the power of reading.
Founder & Director
Founded Read to Thrive in 2014 and started its first book club in 2012. Tara oversees three book clubs and manages volunteer logistics. Based in Fremont, CA.
Board Member & CFO
Involved since the organization's founding in 2014. Murali manages finances and sets organizational direction, believing that "knowledge is the power to a fulfilling and satisfying life."
Board Member
A clinical psychologist specializing in children and families in the Bay Area. Emily is passionate about historical fiction and believes reading builds competence, confidence, and empathy in children.
Board Member
An industrialist and adviser to an all-India organization focused on children's education. He leads a book club in Ongole, India and is a member of Lions Club International and Seva Bharati.
Say Hello
Whether you want to volunteer, donate, partner, or simply learn more, we'd love to hear from you.
Fremont, CA
Hyderabad, India
Bitragunta, India
Virtually Worldwide
Online — Worldwide
Our virtual program brings Read to Thrive sessions to children everywhere through video conferencing. Volunteers connect one-on-one or in small groups with children, working through books, activities, and reading exercises — all from their own homes.
Sessions are designed to be interactive and engaging. Volunteers guide children through reading passages, ask comprehension questions, and encourage creative thinking. No two sessions are the same — volunteers adapt to each child's pace and interests.
Anyone with a passion for literacy and a reliable internet connection can volunteer. We welcome high school & college students, working professionals, and retirees alike. We'll match you with a child based on your availability and time zone.
Sessions run approximately 45-60 minutes, once a week. We ask for a minimum commitment of one school semester so children have consistency and continuity with their volunteer.
Hyderabad, India
Read to Thrive has partnered with Hyderabad Children's Aid Society to bring structured English literacy sessions to the girls each week.
At the start of each school year, children are divided into groups based on their reading level. Each group is assigned a dedicated volunteer who works with them consistently throughout the year — building trust, routine, and real progress.
Volunteers begin with alphabet and vocabulary exercises, progress to short reading passages, and close with comprehension questions and games. Concept-testing after each lesson helps volunteers gauge retention and adjust the next session accordingly.
We work closely with HCAS school staff to align our sessions with the children's academic calendar and ensure our program reinforces rather than disrupts their regular schooling.
Bitragunta, Andhra Pradesh, India
Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya is a government-run residential school for girls in Bitragunta — a rural village of about 3,000 people in Andhra Pradesh. The school serves girls from marginalized communities who might otherwise have limited access to quality education.
Read to Thrive's program here is led by a local volunteer, an undergraduate student from the village itself, who visits weekly to lead English reading and speaking sessions with 20 girls.
Sessions focus on grammar, reading aloud, and spoken English — skills that can open doors to higher education and employment. Volunteers use story discussions to build comprehension, critical thinking, and confidence. Each lesson ends with concept-testing to track progress week over week.
For many of these girls, our volunteer is their primary exposure to structured English literacy outside the classroom. The consistency and personal attention of a weekly session makes a measurable difference in both skill and confidence.
Founder & Director
Tara Mandava founded Read to Thrive in 2014, inspired by her belief that every child deserves the joy and opportunity that comes with the love of reading. She started the organization's first book club in 2012 and has grown the mission from a single club in Newark, CA into programs spanning California, India, and the virtual world.
Tara oversees active programs, manages volunteer recruitment and logistics, and coordinates with partner schools and community organizations across the globe. Under her leadership, Read to Thrive has conducted over 2,500 sessions and has served more than 2,00 children since its founding
Based in Fremont, CA, Tara brings both professional experience and personal passion to the work with a belief that a child who loves to read can achieve anything.
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