Comets READ (Refugee Education and Development) is a community service organization through the Hobson Wildenthal Honors College at UTD with over 100 members and 30 consistent volunteers. Our mission is to provide academic support, mentorship, and essential resources to refugee and low-income students at Lee A. McShan Jr. Elementary School, Jill Stone Elementary, Hillcrest High School, and Thomas Jefferson High School. The program addresses the pressing educational disparities in our community and fosters a more equitable environment for all students.
We want to take our work beyond the classroom and inspire these students to break generational barriers. In April 2026, we are inviting 22 students from McShan Elementary to tour the UT Dallas campus. We need your help in raising $900 that will be used to pay for a charter bus and snacks. Any extra donations past our goal will be used to fund future tours, provide teachers and tutors with quality materials such as books, pencils, markers, and whatever else they need to create
engaging lessons. Additionally, hygiene supplies such as toothpaste, soap, and brushes help to support students' physical and mental health and allow them to focus on academics.
The impact of Comets READ is profound. For elementary and high school students, there has been a steady increase in test scores and a boost in confidence. Through serving as a tutor, UTD students further their leadership skills and connect with the greater Dallas community. By addressing the resource gap in schools, we are helping to cultivate future leaders equipped to overcome societal challenges. Furthermore, our program is dedicated to building strong relationships with students, helping them feel safer in their community.
We invite you to support the mission of Comets READ. Every donation contributes to a brighter future for our students and inspires a love for learning. For more information about the reach of our program, please click here and here to learn more. Thank you for considering supporting our work!
