When we launched the People’s Literacy Fund, we knew that this was an opportunity to do things differently. To think outside the box and directly fund the innovation and creativity already within our own communities.
And Oakland showed up – even while navigating a global pandemic. Parents, educators, and community members across the city brought their inspiring ideas to life in support of advancing literacy for all Oakland kids.
Our grantees are supporting 1,450 students through culturally reflective reading groups, teaching literacy through the lens of hip hop and digital art forms, and are building free libraries for families living in shelters and in their own front yards.
We are proud to announce that the People’s Literacy Fund round 1 and round 2 grantees have officially been notified.
To date, our grantees include 15 parents, 8 community groups, and 6 schools/educators who all stepped up to support our students during this incredibly challenging time. Be sure to check out our latest press release on the website.
We are still accepting applications for our final round with a special priority for our Arabic, Vietnamese, and Chinese communities. Applications are available in multiple languages here.
The Byrd brothers, Paul and Valentino, are two Oakland natives making a big difference for kids in the Fruitvale. As two of our People’s Literacy Fund grantees, they are combining their expertise in animation and graphic design to support students’ literacy skills.
“The Art of Storytelling” is designed by Paul Byrd to support a cohort of middle school students through the process of developing and animating their own original stories. His hope is to publish their work online and submit them to local film and animation festivals in the future.
Inspired by his own passion for comic books growing up, Valentino Byrd is passing it on to younger generations. He is teaching teenagers in his neighborhood graphic design skills to develop and create their own comic books.
Our upcoming series of monthly literacy workshops will be led by Kareem Weaver. Whether
you received an award or are just interested in learning more, these workshops are open for all
to attend.
Workshops will be held every second Thursday of the month from 5-6:30pm. Make sure to register
at the links below:
GO Public Schools in partnership with Seek Common Ground has launched free literacy learning guides for families.
These tools can help you asses where your student should be in their reading and writing skills by grade level. They are available to download here in both English and Spanish.
