SMART Reading, the Oregon literacy nonprofit that already sends volunteers into Tigard-Tualatin classrooms, received a $20,000 grant to expand its statewide work recruiting readers and getting books to kids who need them.

OnPoint Community Credit Union announced the funding July 7, as part of its 2026 Community Grants & Giving program. The money will go toward recruiting and training volunteers, expanding access to diverse books at Title I schools, and strengthening family literacy engagement across Oregon.

The grant lands at a difficult moment. Only 40% of Oregon third graders met or exceeded reading standards in 2025, according to the announcement. Children who aren't reading proficiently by that age are significantly less likely to graduate high school, the announcement cited.

"Our state is in a literacy crisis," said Roland Mechanik, SMART Reading's program manager. "All of us have a role to play when it comes to changing Oregon's trajectory, and SMART is the perfect way to get involved."

SMART Reading has an established presence in the Tigard-Tualatin School District. At Deer Creek Elementary, volunteer Edie Jensen was recognized on May 1, at an all-school Character Trait Assembly for 12 years of service helping young readers, including Multilingual Learners, access books.

A TTSD social media post highlighted a reading volunteer program in the district that served 40 students with 29 volunteers during the 2024–2025 school year.

The nonprofit offers two volunteer roles. Readers commit one hour per week reading with a child or classroom. No special experience is required, and all training is provided. Site coordinators manage reading sessions at local schools, committing two to eight hours per week.

Mechanik said volunteers often describe it as the best hour of their week. Residents can sign up at smartreading.org.

OnPoint's broader 2026 grant cycle awarded more than half a million dollars to 59 nonprofits across Oregon and Southwest Washington, supporting programs in education, foster youth, food security, housing stability, and workforce development.

¡Viva Tualatin! — Saturday, July 11, 2026, 2–8 p.m., Tualatin Community Park, 8515 SW Tualatin Rd. Live entertainment, cultural performances, food vendors, and family activities. OnPoint Community Credit Union is a 2026 event sponsor.