Our Impact
Through our partnership with First Book, Ameren, Riley's Way Foundation, and more, the Literacy Initiative has donated over 36,000 new books (over $300,000 of value) to economically disadvantaged students since 2017. We have also provided 6,000 meals and impacted over 28,000 economically disadvantaged students through our programming.
WHO WE ARE
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The Literacy Initiative is a group of high school students who work together to address and take action on issues that impact youth across the nation. During this global pandemic, we've shifted our focus to providing and addressing needs within education, specifically through our virtual programming.
Since 2017, we've been able to involve over 600 volunteers from across the United States. To get in touch with the Literacy Initiative team, please send us an email at [email protected]. |
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Thank you to students and volunteers for participating in our 2020 eCamp program!
Launched in response to summer camp closures and missed school, eCamp is a virtual enrichment program for elementary and middle school students. High school students planned and taught hour-long classes of their choice. eCamp ran from 9am to 5pm CT, five days a week, through June and July.
eCamp by the Numbers
663hours of class taught in June and July.
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1,066elementary and middle school students participated.
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95%of parents say their children benefited from being a part of eCamp.
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108different classes offered (48 in June and 60 in July).
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100%designed and run by high school students.
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Some Sample Classes:
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STEM
- Becoming a Scientist! - Basics of Coding: Intro to Scratch - Basics of Coding: Creating Video Games - Chemistry: Explore the Invisible! - Anatomy in Action - The Secrets of Ciphering - Engineering |
The Arts
- DIY Crafts - Simple Paper Crafts and Origami - Drawing Disney - Photography - Digital Art for Beginners - Introduction to Filmmaking |
Health and Activity
- Exploration of Dance - Let's Talk - TikTok Dances - Mindfulness Coloring - Kickin' It: Martial Arts - Healthy Eating - Fitness Challenge - Indian Dance |
Reading and Writing
- Journalism - Books and Cookies - Creative Writing - Public Speaking - Storytelling - Vocabulary and Grammar - Greek Mythology |
Language and Culture
- American Sign Language - Global Languages and Linguistics - Current Events - Model United Nations - Dance and Learn French! - Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures |
CURRENT PROGRAMS
In response to the ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19, the Literacy Initiative is officially moving all programs online through virtual format. Programs listed below reflect what we are currently offering during the Spring 2022 season.
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E-Tutoring
eTutoring is a one-on-one tutoring and mentorship program open to all students in need. High school volunteers will be pared with elementary and middle school students to provide homework help during remote learning. Covid-19 presents unique challenges to school and learning, and Literacy Initiative wants to help. All signups are now open! Click here to learn more. |
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Virtual STEAM Nights
The goal for our Virtual STEAM Nights are to expose teens to a wide variety of different subjects, majors, and careers within Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Through these events, students are able to hear from a wide array of college student panelists. |
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Apply to the Next Young Leaders Program!
The Next Young Leaders Program is an all-new program led by high school senior Agha Haider, focused on providing high school juniors with an opportunity to navigate the college process, be mentored by a professional, and receive a scholarship towards their college education.
Click here to learn more and apply.
The Next Young Leaders Program is an all-new program led by high school senior Agha Haider, focused on providing high school juniors with an opportunity to navigate the college process, be mentored by a professional, and receive a scholarship towards their college education.
Click here to learn more and apply.
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INTERESTED IN E-TUTORING?
eTutoring is a one-on-one tutoring and mentorship program open to all students in need. High school volunteers will be pared with elementary and middle school students to provide homework help during remote learning. Covid-19 presents unique challenges to school and learning, and Literacy Initiative wants to help. All signups are now open! Click here to learn more.
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UPCOMING DATES & DEADLINES:
December 28th: Spring eTutoring signups open.
January 25th-29th: Last week of fall eTutoring
February 6th: New volunteer orientation for spring eTutoring.
February 8th: First week of spring eTutoring.
December 28th: Spring eTutoring signups open.
January 25th-29th: Last week of fall eTutoring
February 6th: New volunteer orientation for spring eTutoring.
February 8th: First week of spring eTutoring.
IN THE NEWS
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TESTIMONIALS
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I am the librarian at one of the schools Agha has sent high school students to mentor elementary students. This organization is so well ran that I thought it was an adult running the program until I met him in person. This organization has made a huge impact on students wanting to read more than they have ever read before! This mentoring program has been such a huge success in my school that we constantly have a wait list of elementary students that wants to join Books and Cookies.
-Stephanie Goh, Librarian at Combs Elementary I was highly impressed with the student volunteers. They were very friendly and engaged with the students. We are very excited about the program!
-Lisa Broadbent, Assistant Principal at Marion Elementary |
This is an awesome way to encourage literacy, build leadership skills and responsibility in high school students, and build connections across the St. Louis area (which has been historically notorious for racial and socioeconomic disparities).
-Katelyn Chapman, Volunteer from Parkway West High This is an amazing program that connects students with other students. It not only promotes literacy but it also promotes the growing and connecting of St. Louis students regardless of socioeconomic status. This program is truly a wonderful opportunity for students of all ages to participate, grow, and change their communities for the better.
-Libby Meister, Volunteer from Cor Jesu Academy |
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