Giving grade three students struggling with reading "a leg up" is the focus behind Reading University, which begins it's fourth year on July 3rd at Grande Prairie Regional College.

This year, around 100 children from the three school divisions combined are slated to take part, up around 20 from last year.

Co-organizer Rhonda Side says the students are nominated for the program by their teacher, with those lists then further edited by the school divisions. 

"It's has to be children that we can help and affect. Even if it's just in their self-confi\dence in the classroom that they're willing to raise their hand and ask a question. That's a success." 

Students do not pay a cent to take part in the program. It is entirely funded through donations - either cash or gift in kind.

The County of Grande Prairie voted in favour of providing $5,000 for this year.

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