About the Project

The Equity Through Literacy Project deploys reading as a means of social and economic mobility while nurturing a love of reading among opportunity youth in Juvenile Court and Community Schools. Students and teachers at each of our twenty school sites will co-construct literacy activities designed to capture students’ interest while supporting literacy development. Individual school activities may include hosting debates, creating film shorts, and visual or performing arts activities tied to selected literature. At the onset of the project, each student will meet with a literacy support team consisting of the teacher, a parent or guardian, and a staff member selected by the student. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the student’s reading level, set growth goals, and educate the student and parent on the connection between literacy and socioeconomic and educational success. Throughout the year, the team will monitor each student’s progress. All schools will host award ceremonies, competitions, and exhibitions designed to encourage participation and foster engagement while bringing the school and the community together to honor student achievement. Each activity will culminate with a student-facilitated exhibition where students will showcase their work and demonstrate their learning to parents, community partners, and the greater school community. Teachers, families, and community partners will be invited to help plan and participate in the award ceremonies.