TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Students involved with The University of Alabama School of Law Public Interest Institute (PII) have developed a tutoring program for children in public housing developments in Tuscaloosa.

Almost 60 law students volunteer on Mondays and Wednesdays by teaching literacy skills to students living in the Delaware-Jackson or Rosedale Housing Developments. Depending on the young students’ age and skill level, the UA law students teach phonics, writing, spelling and more to improve students’ reading skills.

Some 25 children from ages 5-12 participate. “The kids are so enthusiastic that it makes it easy to teach them,” said Day Peake, a first-year UA law student from Mobile who helped organize the program.

Last semester the PII collected used books to take to the centers each day. A team of law students creates lesson plans from these books so tutors will have a strategy going into the center.

“I do know that with the overwhelming interest among the law students, and the energy and enthusiasm among the children, this group will definitely continue to strengthen and grow,” Peake said.

The PII continues to collect books and monetary donations to help the program. People interested in donating can contact PII members at 205/348-0173.

The Public Interest Institute, created in 2000, is dedicated to the idea that the privilege of being an attorney includes service to one’s community. The Institute builds upon the long-standing tradition of service by the UA Law School’s students, graduates, faculty and administration. Some 450 UA law students are involved in PII projects each year.