The Mobile Literacy Unit (MLU) is a community outreach vehicle that travels across the Rio Grande Valley to provide low-income children with equitable literacy opportunities. Our overarching purpose is to promote literacy and reading achievement by bringing university resources into historically underserved areas. .
Leadership
The MLU is overseen by Dr. Irasema Salinas-Gonzalez (irasema.gonzalez@utrgv.edu) and Mrs. Maritza Fuentes (maritza.fuentes@utrgv.edu) 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 opprtunities 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 has 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 is continuously seeking donors to further expand their crucial efforts in promoting literacy within the community. If you would like to be a sponsor or a permanent donor, please contact us by phone or email (below).
| Name | Department | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Irasema Gonzalez | Human Development and School Services | irasema.gonzalez@utrgv.edu | (956) 665-7224 |
| Mrs. Maritza Fuentes | Human Development and School Services | maritza.fuentes@utrgv.edu | (956) 665-3358 |
| Mr. Luis B. Leal | Division of Institutional Advancement | luis.b.leal@utrgv.edu | (956) 665-3270 |
You can also complete the Become a Sponsor or Donor form to provide us with your contact information and your interest in the MLU program.
Polices and Procedures
The following rules are in effect for the MLU:
- The MLU has a designated driver. No other person than the driver should drive the MLU. The driver will 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 is 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 will provide these materials.
- The user is expected to leave the MLU neat and clean after each event.
- After each event, the user must complete 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 will submit a report to the CEP Dean’s Office. The report will provide data on the number of users, communities impacted, budget, and other MLU matters.
Scheduling
Approval will depend on the MLU schedule, alignment of the project with college/university mission and goals, and driver availability.
The MLU must be requested at least three weeks in advance of the desired date. External requestors will 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 be completed.
Approval will 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 allows UTRGV to provide our students, faculty and staff with the support they need to reach their full potential. Your gift has a far-reaching impact – throughout South Texas and beyond.