A brief Mentor Orientation will give you everything you need to get started. Mentoring takes place in our Mentor Centers at five elementary schools across the valley. See a map of our Mentor Centers. Questions? Please email volunteers@stwn.org.

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Upcoming Orientation Dates

This orientation will be held at Spread the Word Nevada – 5373 Arville Street, Las Vegas, NV 89118

DATETIME
June 25, 202610:00 AM
June 30, 20261:00 PM
July 9, 20269:30 AM
July 14, 20269:30 AM
July 23, 202612:30 PM
July 28, 202612:30 PM
July 29, 20269:30 AM

Meet Maile Gove, a bilingual flying trapeze performer in Cirque du Soleil’s Mystère and a volunteer mentor with Spread the Word Nevada’s Books & Buddies program. In this powerful story, Maile shares her journey mentoring a young student from Cuba who arrived in Las Vegas speaking very little English, and how weekly reading sessions helped build confidence, connection, and a love of learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

    • Books & Buddies is a reading mentorship program designed to help struggling young readers improve their literacy skills. Caring volunteers are paired with students to read together and build confidence.
    • Mentors must be at least 16 years old, have reliable transportation, and commit to a minimum of one hour per week during the school year. A Clark County School District background check is required, which will be covered during orientation.
    • Mentors meet with their student once a week for one hour, typically split into two 30-minute sessions. Sessions take place at the same time each week following the CCSD academic calendar.
    • Mentoring sessions are held at one of our five Books & Buddies centers across the Las Vegas valley, during the school day. You’ll select your preferred location and time during the sign-up process.
    • Simply notify your site facilitator if you’ll miss a session.
    • No prior experience is needed, just a love of books and helping kids! Training is provided during Mentor Orientation and through ongoing STWN support.
    • A 1.5-hour session where you’ll: - Learn about Spread the Word Nevada and the Books & Buddies program - Receive mentor tips and student information - Complete CCSD volunteer and background check steps - Ask questions and get ready to start mentoring - No materials are required—just bring yourself!
    • Spread the Word Nevada Main Office – 5373 Arville Street, Las Vegas, NV 89118 Findlay Honda Centennial – 7494 W. Azure Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89130
    • Yes! We recommend starting with one hour and increasing as your schedule allows.
    • Sign up for a Mentor Orientation - your first step to becoming a Books & Buddies mentor!

Mentor Guidebook

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