Tucked in the back of a small shopping plaza on South Industrial Highway is the Family Learning Institute, an organization that's been helping kids become better readers for the past 10 years.

FLI's mission is simple, Executive Director Amy Rolfes said: "(It) all started out to address the achievement gap."

As the nonprofit marks its 10th anniversary this year, organizers are making a public plea for more volunteers to help some 85 to 100 underprivileged students from third to eighth grade.

Organizers say they're children who are having trouble reading and are falling behind in school. In some cases, the students are the only English speakers in their households.

When they come to FLI, students are matched up with reading tutors, - they're called "coaches" - who give them one-on-one guidance and support to improve their reading skills.

Students attend FLI free of charge, but Rolfes said they have to show a commitment to their lessons and take several tests to chart their progress. The school year runs from September to June, just like mainstream schools, and students have to put in two extra hours on top of their regular classes. Elementary students attend the institute between 6-8 p.m., while middle school students attend from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Students choose what they want to read and are given prizes such as toys or games for extra books they read at home. Volunteer coach Jim Kane said he gets joy out of seeing his students making progress.

"You walk out of here, you feel good," Kane said. "You've made a difference."

Volunteer coaches range in age from 19 to 80. They include doctors, lawyers, college students and elected officials. Rolfes said coaches aren't required to have teaching backgrounds, but have to take some training courses and undergo a criminal background check.

Rolfes said 45 percent of students advance one grade level after a year at FLI, 24 percent advance two grade levels and 9 percent advance three to four grade levels. FLI has a low drop-out rate, she said.

Taylor Sills, a shy fifth grader, said she enjoys her time at FLI.

"It's a little easier than school," Sills said.

FLI is a nonprofit organization that relies on contributions for funding from the United Way, the city of Ann Arbor, the county, and private contributors. Organizers also raise money through such efforts as an adult spelling bee, which raised $20,000.

Tutors are asked to commit one hour a week. To volunteer, call 734-995-6816 or email amy@familylearninginstitute.org.

Photo by David Wak for AnnArbor.com: Taylor Sills is among the students who benefit from the Family Learning Institute's coaching services.

David Wak is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach our news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.