Early Literacy volunteers work primarily with elementary school students, exposing them to language and print resources to help them read at grade level. Volunteers also provide support to teachers, which ranges from tutoring students to awarding grants for classroom needs. Projects in the Early Literacy impact area include the following:

I Read More With My Buddy
(Jackson Public Schools)

Volunteers conduct one-on-one reading sessions with JPS elementary school students, helping to build fluency and comprehension skills.

Helping Hands
(various community partners)

Volunteers fill a variety of needs for current and new community partners, providing extra support with day-to-day operational needs and helping with special events. Volunteer assistance through Helping Hands can be requested through the Helping Hands Request Application.

Public School Mini-Grants
(Jackson Public Schools/Community Foundation for Mississippi)

Volunteers review and evaluate classroom grant proposals and award grants to JPS teachers to enhance, enrich, and support the JPS educational curriculum.

Poetry Café Makeover
(Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi)

Volunteers help renovate space to create a Poetry Café at the Raymond Road location of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi.