Augustine Literacy Project of the Upstate

Augustine Literacy Project of the Upstate

Website: alp-upstate.org

Address: 1100 Log Shoals Road, Mauldin, SC 29662
Phone: 864-416-1176

Facebook Handle: facebook.com/alp.upstate
Instagram Handle: @alp.upstate

Established: 2006
Number of Employees: 1
Geographic Service Area: Upstate of South Carolina

Funding Sources

• Charitable Donations: 52%
• Grants: 38%
• Fundraiser: 7%
• Training fees/interest: 3%

Mission Statement

Augustine Literacy Project of the Upstate transforms the lives of young readers by providing free, high-quality, one-on-one literacy instruction for children in grades K–3rd who are at risk for reading failure and living in poverty. Rooted in the belief that literacy is a gateway to opportunity, we train, equip and support volunteer tutors through rigorous, research-based skill building grounded in the Orton-Gillingham approach.

We partner with schools and community organizations across the Upstate to reach students who need us most, prioritizing access, compassion and educational excellence. By empowering volunteers and nurturing strong community relationships, we work toward a future where all children read on grade level by third grade and have the tools they need to thrive academically and beyond.

Impact

Our impact is evident not only in improved reading scores but in the stories of children who rediscover joy in learning, families who feel supported and teachers who see their students gaining confidence and momentum.

A single tutor-student relationship can change the trajectory of a child’s life; when multiplied across our after-school and community partner sites—supported by a dedicated corps of volunteer tutors—that impact helps strengthen the fabric of the Upstate community and counter the effects of poverty through literacy.

“I love reading now.” – a young reader in the Upstate
“My students stand taller because of Augustine tutoring.” – a classroom teacher

Established in 2006, Augustine Literacy Project of the Upstate is celebrating 20 years of fighting the effects of poverty through literacy across the Upstate.

By the Numbers:

• ALP – Upstate has trained more than 220 volunteer tutors.
• Those tutors have provided over 18,000 hours of individualized literacy instruction to young readers.
• Together, they have contributed more than $1,080,000 worth of free literacy services across the
  Upstate of South Carolina.

Leadership

Board of Directors

Denise Ruby, chair
Susan Cruz, vice chair
Kelly Harrison, secretary
Rachel Andrews Ratcliff, treasurer
Ann Copeland, at large
Robert Coffey, at large
Kate Franch, at large
Jason Mullis, at large
Ashley Paxton, at large

Fundraisers and Events

• Tutor Training Class: July 14, 21 & 28
• Tutor Training Class: July 30, Aug. 6 & 13
• The Literacy Factor, 20th Anniversary Community Outreach and Education: Date TBD 2026-2027
• Giving Tuesday: Dec. 1, 2026
• For the Love of Mah Jongg Fundraiser: Feb. 11, 2027 at Thornblade Club 12 p.m.–6 p.m.

Volunteer Opportunities

Your support today helps ensure that tomorrow’s students can read fluently and step confidently into their
future.

• Volunteer as a tutor and change the trajectory of a child’s life through literacy.
• Partner as a school, congregation or community organization to expand access.
• Invest as a financial supporter or be a sponsor at the annual fundraiser so more students receive
  free, one-on-one tutoring.

Giving Opportunities

Visit our website or scan the QR code to learn more, donate or get involved with Augustine Literacy Project of the Upstate. Sponsorships and silent auction donations for the fundraiser “For the Love of Mah Jongg” are being accepted now; contact Denise Ruby at d.ruby@alp-upstate.org for sponsorship details and silent auction donation information.