Maria: Thanks for having me, Spiffy! Early literacy is an essential part of a child’s overall development, but many families live in book deserts or do not have books at home. Book ownership should be a right, not a privilege. As Books In Homes USA's executive director, I work to serve children living in under-resourced communities, in literacy and beyond. The charity's vision is for every child to create their own home library with personally selected brand-new books to keep and enjoy.
Jamie-Lee: Thanks for having me, Spiffy! The goal of the Summer Workshop for Young Writers is to provide creative high school students, especially those who have not had similar opportunities, with the chance to dedicate full days to the practice of writing. We believe strongly in the power of the creative community and in collaborative learning with storytelling at the center. We also feel strongly about giving high school students, especially first-generation and low income students, the opportunity to spend time on a college campus.
Stan: Thanks for having me, Spiffy! The Heinz Endowments provides funding for The Readiness Institute at Penn State Pittsburgh Center, which endeavors to address the misalignment between the education, business, and community sectors to better position rising high school seniors to explore and embrace education and career pathways that are personalized and value each learner’s interests, skills, and dispositions. Through its programming and networks, the Readiness Institute enables education, industry, and community partners to coordinate, collaborate, and create experiences for learners to achieve community and future readiness—regardless of their zip code, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, and ability level.
