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.

đź“ť Sign Up for Orientation

Upcoming Orientation Dates – STWN Building

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

DATETIME
November 18, 202510:00 AM
November 20, 20251:00 PM
December 2, 202510:00 AM
December 4, 20251:00 PM
December 9, 202510:00 AM
December 11, 20251:00 PM

Meet Jaylie Massey, a dedicated volunteer mentor from Spread the Word Nevada’s Books & Buddies program. In this video, Jaylie shares her heartfelt experience reading one-on-one with students at Red Rock Elementary, and how giving just a little of her time made a big impact, not only on the students’ reading skills but on her own life as well. Discover the power of mentorship, the joy of literacy, and how one simple act of kindness can spark a lifelong love of reading.

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

View Here