Youth Leaders for Literacy

Grants Awarded for Student-Led Projects

What is Youth Leaders for Literacy?

Youth Leaders for Literacy is an initiative of the National Education Association (NEA) and Youth Service America (YSA) to help youth direct their enthusiasm and creativity into reading-related service projects. During the six-week program period and beyond, they create a groundswell of literacy service in communities across the country.

The NEA and Youth Service America developed the Youth Leaders for Literacy program in 2001 to encourage and celebrate literacy service in our nation's young people, and to provide resources to conduct reading-related activities that benefit others. Making a difference in the lives of America's children is what the partnership between the NEA and YSA is all about.

The power in participating

Something powerful happens when youth are involved in literacy service. They receive the intrinsic rewards of being involved in their community, but they also learn more about themselves and the importance that reading plays in their own lives. Being able to read makes everything else possible, including the ability to make meaningful, lifelong contributions to their communities.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2008 Youth Leaders for Literacy  Awards. The recipients will receive a check for $500 and the Read Across America Resource Calendar for 2008. In addition, all applicants for the YLL awards will be receiving a certificate for entering and the Read Across America resource calendar.

Also, find out more about  Global Youth Service Day.

Send comments to readacross@nea.org