Literacy Leap

Literacy Leap Initiative

Literacy Leap is a joint initiative dedicated to distributing books that elevate diverse protagonists so that every child can see themselves, their families, and community members in their books and learning materials. With your help, we’re aiming to raise money to help provide books plus curricula and author visits to children in grades K – 3 across America, starting with schools in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia (the DMV).

The Initiative’s resources, services, and activities support students in achieving the following outcomes:

  • Increased Literacy & Reading Comprehension.
  • Improved Self-confidence & Self Esteem.
  • Increased Exposure to Positive Representation.
  • Growth in Social Emotional Development and Empathy.
  • Improved Problem Solving & Community Building Skills.

 

Literacy Leap in the DMV

The Literacy Leap’s inaugural region is Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia–also known as the DMV.  According to recent data, only 32 percent of DC’s elementary aged children met or exceeded expectations for literacy outcomes, and in Maryland only 31 percent of fourth graders were proficient in reading. In Virginia, reading proficiency among fourth graders declined from 43 percent to 32 percent.

$100,000 will provide 5,000+ books plus author readings to DMV students across the area before expanding to other states.

 

Literacy Leap Across the U.S.

In 2025–26, the Literacy Leap Initiative will expand positive representation of diverse protagonists by doubling the communities across more states.  Therefore, when you donate, you build a foundation for Universally to bring inclusive stories and creators to children across the nation. 

Featured Partner 
Little Ruth Children’s Collection & Author Dee Write

Universally is partnered with the Little Ruth Children’s Collection and its creator, Author Dee Write, for the 2024 – 25 Literacy Leap Initiative and campaign efforts. Literacy Leap will feature books from the Little Ruth Collection, a compilation of children’s books and products that feature the shared experiences of children. The stories feature Ruth Campbell—an empathetic, courageous, and friendly young girl who navigates everyday childhood experiences and life lessons about friendship and connections with others, self-confidence, problem solving, and more.

In addition to Little Ruth’s stories, other stories from the Collection will be featured in future Literacy Leap campaigns as the Initiative expands, including the stories of Little Ruth’s brother Timmy and her friends—Rose Mei Gui Liu, Sofia Morales, and others. 

As diverse protagonists, Little Ruth and these other characters show children from all backgrounds that their stories matter!

For more information about the Literacy Leap Initiative and to donate today visit our Donation page.