Literacy Initiative

Thanks for a great summer of eCamp!
See you soon at our fall eTutoring program.

E-TUTORING VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION OPEN NOW

E-Tutoring 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. Volunteer registration (for high schoolers) is open now, and student signups will open soon. Click here to learn more.

UPCOMING DATES & DEADLINES:
Monday, August 3rd: eTutoring volunteer registration opens.
TBD: eTutoring elementary and middle school student signup opens.
Monday, September 21st: First week of eTutoring.

We're offering a wide variety of amazing programs for students through our eCamp program this summer. Sessions are offered Monday-Friday 9am-5pm (CST).

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

View the schedule for ages 6-8 and ages 9-12
Register for Warrior programs (ages 13-18)

WHO WE ARE

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 team@literacy-initiative.org.

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 Summer 2020 season.

E-Camp
Through this new program, students will work with our counselors (virtually, of course) on a wide variety of topics. Through this program, we'll be offering programs under the following categories: STEM, The Arts, Let's Get Moving, Reading & Writing, and Influencer-Led programs. eCamp will also consist of fun events such as virtual movie and trivia nights!

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.

E-CAMP SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Join us Fridays (July 17-24) for presentations by partner organization United2Care about hand washing and preventing the spread of COVID-19.

IN THE NEWS

TESTIMONIALS

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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