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Overview
The Mobile Literacy Unit (MLU) was a community outreach vehicle that travels across the Rio Grande Valley to provide low-income children with equitable literacy opportunities. The overarching purpose was to promote literacy and reading achievement by bringing university resources into historically underserved areas.
Leadership
The MLU was overseen by Dr. Irasema Salinas-Gonzalez from the Department of Human Development and School Services.
Benefits
The MLU supports and facilitates a diverse range of projects, including:
Service Learning
Organized story time sessions with preschoolers, which offer CEP students teaching opportunities with young children.
Research
Implemented by UTRGV students from various academic disciplines.
Community Engagement
Facilitated through UTRGV faculty by organizing literacy events in underserved areas across the Rio Grande Valley.
Resources
The Mobile Literacy Unit had the following resources available for use during events:
- 6 Tablets Apple iPads
- Books to use/read in the unit
- Build–a–Book Supplies
- Cushions for children to sit and read
- Flannel board stories
- Personal PA Speaker system
- Projector unit
- Select Books for Giveaway at events
- Story Puppets / Theater Stage
Become a Sponsor or Donor
The Mobile Literacy Unit was continuously seeking donors to further expand their crucial efforts in promoting literacy within the community.
Polices and Procedures
The following rules were in effect for the MLU:
- The MLU had a designated driver. No other person than the driver should drive the MLU. The driver would transport the MLU to and from the event and handle the electrical and tech issues.
- Users must have their own transportation to the event. No one can ride inside the MLU while it is in movement.
- The MLU was stocked with basic supplies, books and literacy materials. The user may make use of any of these materials. If an event requires items that are not part of the MLU materials, the user would provide these materials.
- The user was expected to leave the MLU neat and clean after each event.
- After each event, the user must have completed a Mobile Literacy Unit Event Report and submit it to the MLU Coordinator within one week of the event.
At the end of each academic year the MLU Coordinator would submit a report to the CEP Dean’s Office. The report would provide data on the number of users, communities impacted, budget, and other MLU matters.
Scheduling
Important Note: The community initiative has concluded and is no longer accepting requests for the Mobile Literacy Unit. Thank you for your interest.
The MLU must have been requested at least three weeks in advance of the desired date. The requestor must be a College of Education and P-16 Integration (CEP) faculty or staff member. The use of the MLU by CEP faculty and staff member is free of cost. In order to request the MLU, all information on the Mobile Literacy Unit Request Form must have been completed.
Approval would depend on the MLU schedule, alignment of the project with college/university mission and goals, and driver availability.
Important Note: The community initiative has concluded and is no longer accepting requests for the Mobile Literacy Unit. Thank you for your interest.
The MLU must have been requested at least three weeks in advance of the desired date. External requestors would require a payment of $300 per use of MLU. In order to request the MLU, all information on the Mobile Literacy Unit Request Form must have been completed.
Approval would depend on the MLU schedule, alignment of the project with college/university mission and goals, and driver availability.
Sponsor
The Mobile Literacy Unit received a $20,000 donation from H.E.B. this year.
Support Mobile Literacy Unit
Your investment allowed UTRGV to provide our students, faculty and staff with the support they need to reach their full potential. Your gift had a far-reaching impact – throughout South Texas and beyond.