Reading So Lit Summer is a 3-week virtual literacy program designed to help boys of color explore, discover, and articulate their reading preferences. Each summer, Barbershop Books hires and trains high school boys of color (Youth Instructors) to lead one-hour reading lessons with young boys of color ages 6-8. Each Youth Instructor receives coaching and ongoing support throughout the summer from certified teachers.
Meet William! He’s one of our summer 2022 youth instructors. He recently wrote us about his experience:
“I hope this email finds you well! I’ve just started college this year, and on multiple occasions have thought about my experience working with everyone at Barbershop Books this past summer. I really enjoyed learning about ways to become a better mentor to young kids, and a better educator in general; I’ve even seen some of the aspects of what I learned translate to my classrooms up here in Troy!
Needless to say, I was really happy to see all that I had gained from working with all of you. I was actually wondering—are there any positions available as a tutor during the school year? I hope asking isn’t too much trouble, but I would love to be able to work with Barbershop Books again!”
We’re so excited William enjoyed his experience as a youth summer instructor and reading role model!Help us keep the momentum going! We’re asking for your support to help our award-winning programs reach 10,000 Black boys and other vulnerable children. With your support, we can continue transforming communities and inspiring Black boys and other vulnerable children to read for fun!
This year, we are adding more than 100 new barbershop partners, providing virtual summer literacy programming, and expanding our E-Library to include more diverse children’s books. Collectively, these efforts will reach more than 10,000 Black boys.Please contribute and join us in placing Black boys in the driver’s seat of their reading journeys!
