First-grade students at Bruce Elementary School are getting new help achieving their reading goals.   The United Way of Greater Houston is partnering with the school in a new literacy mentor program.

The program will pair a volunteer and a first-grade student together for the entire year.  During that time, the volunteers will read a book with the students and will later help them complete a literacy exercise. 

United Way President and CEO Anna Babin presented books to all of the first grade students along with a $5,000 check to principal Trealla Epps.  Both Babin and Epps said they believe the initiative will encourage the volunteers to develop positive relationships through mentoring and literacy.