To support the goal of improving literacy in Rochester schools, the Rochester Hispanic Business Association has formed a partnership with School No. 9.

Under this new partnership, RHBA members will visit the school each week, beginning in November, to read to kindergarten students. The visits will continue through the end of the school year. The partnership was formed after a successful two-month pilot of the program during the spring.

"Our organization wants to enhance the educational development of children in Rochester's Hispanic community," said RHBA Chairman Grace Tillinghast. "School 9, which has been cited by the state as an underperforming school, has many students from Hispanic backgrounds."

"We know that reading to children, beginning at a very young age, has so many educational benefits," Tillinghast added. "We are very excited to be able to give back to the community through this program and we look forward to very positive outcomes - and some fun times with these students."

The Rochester Hispanic Business Association is an affiliate of the Rochester Business Alliance.