A program that partners the University of Rochester with city schools has doubled literacy results for a group of students.

The “Hooked on Literacy” program brings the U of R’s Warner School into city schools to help young kids get enthusiastic about reading. Studies show that children who cannot read at grade level by third grade are less likely to graduate high school.

Hooked on Literacy has allowed many first graders to finish at their appropriate reading level and move on to the next grade.

“The children are so enthusiastic and so eager to read and their able to build confidence,” said Carol Anne St. George, director of reading and literacy. “All of the effective factors like motivation and self-reliance and self-determination. There are pieces of feeling really good about themselves. Being risk takers in their learning.”

The program currently operates at School 33 and the Lower School at East High School.