The Corporate Volunteers Program was created in 1999 through a collaborative partnership with the Greater Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. The current corporate sponsor of the program is Piedmont Federal Savings Bank.

The objective of the program is to improve the performance of specifically identified students in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, so that each tutored child will be at or above the expected proficiency level by the end of the school year. Originally conceived for students who entered school lacking the general readiness skills needed for early school success, the program was designed as one-on-one intervention to help students reach grade level proficiency. To help reduce the risk of falling further behind and widening the achievement gap, students are paired with business and community volunteers who provide critical one-on-one time working on school readiness skills.

Kindergarten through 2nd grade students in 16 elementary schools with at least 75% free and reduced lunch are paired with business and community volunteers who spend an hour each week working with their student on cognitive and language skills.

Materials used by volunteers in the program are "volunteer friendly" with training and orientation provided by the Chamber and each school. Volunteers are surveyed at the end of each school year to provide program feedback.

Volunteers are encouraged to tutor a kindergarten student and some volunteers are asked to "move up" and continue with their student to the next grade level.

During the 2010-11 school year, 50 businesses and organizations were involved, providing more than 350 volunteers. Year-end results collected for 286 students served across the program reported 60% of students needed intensive intervention at the beginning of the school year. At year-end, 28% needed intensive intervention, and 72% moved into moderate/on-track area, (language/reading skills). To sign up your organization, or to participate as an individual, contact Jennifer Cobb at 336-728-9219, or jcobb@winstonsalem.com.

The Corporate Volunteers Program promotes positive mentoring relationships, community involvement and development, and celebrates diversity by crossing racial, social, and economic boundaries. The program was selected for the Winston-Salem Human Relations Commission's 2002 Community Organization Award for its outstanding achievement in furthering positive human relations in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.