StoryStars

StoryStars is a project focused on harnessing the influence of celebrities and the convening power of faith centers to re-create a culture of literacy. Combatting illiteracy is more than having books in a home, learning to read, and making it accessible. It also involves a culture of reading to ignite a passion for reading.

Our program is composed of a few interactive elements: 1) a celebrity (think an athlete or civic leader) reading children’s books to an audience of elementary-aged children, 2) volunteers who create activities around the books to further comprehension, and 3) a separate mini-class for parents to engage in a framework for bedtime reading for children. Each child walks home with a complimentary bag of books!

The program is complimentary for all of our centers. However, there is one catch: It is a 12-month commitment! Culture doesn’t change with one event, but conducting the program three times in one year increases the odds.

Interested in learning more? Click here or give us a call at (281) 401-9229.

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION

Project Goals

  • Inspire Young Minds

    Engage children and their families in underserved communities with exciting reading experiences, fostering a love of learning and imagination.

  • Exciting Activities

    Literacy is more than reading; it also involves comprehension. Through activities and games with our volunteers, we can foster critical thinking skills and enhance understanding.

  • Bedtime Stories

    Empower parents with a framework for reading to their children at bedtime to foster a love of books and create lasting family memories around exciting stories and the power of imagination.

  • Community-Specific

    We build custom programs that reflect participating faith centers’ cultural and demographic makeup to foster relatability and excitement, and ensure buy-in from the youth and parents.

Fourth Grade

According to NAEP, only 35% of fourth-grade students in Texas were proficient in reading.

Economics

60% of disadvantaged students did not meet grade-level expectations in reading.

High School?

Children who can’t read proficiently by 4th grade are four times more likely to drop out.

Frequent Questions

Does the program cost anything to implement at my faith center?

The faith center does not incur any cost apart from hosting it and snacks for the children and parents. We work within our faith network and generous corporate donors to implement the program.

What are the expectations of the participating center?

Venue, scheduling, program logistics, and getting the children and parents out to the event!

Will you provide marketing materials?

Yes, we’ll provide print materials, including fliers and posters, as well as social media messaging and images.

Do we have to commit for an entire year?

Yes! Culture doesn’t change with one event, and it doesn’t change in one year, but giving us a runway to do the program three times in one year certainly increases the odds.

Will you provide talking points for sermons?

We sure will. We’ll work with your clergy to develop talking points relevant to their sermons.

Will you give free books to our children?

Absolutely! Each child will go home with a tote bag filled with free books.

Is there a target audience for your program?

Elementary-aged children are our audience, though children of all ages are welcome!

Will parents have separate instructions?

Yes! Parents will have a separate activity covering night time reading and activities

Ready to get started?

Fill out the form to your right or give us a call at (281) 401-9229. Our team will work hand-in-hand with you to develop StoryStars for your faith center.

  • Collaboration, Collaboration

    We’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure a successful program.

  • Sustainability

    We’ll create a sustainability plan to ensure the long-term literacy growth at your center.

  • Engaging Program

    Our goal is to create an exciting and engaging program for your congregation!