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October 25, 2024
Kristin Calder, CEO
Literacy Coalition of PBC
(561) 279-9103
Email: kcalder@literacypbc.org

BOYNTON BEACH, FL: The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County is pleased to announce funding received for two afterschool literacy programs called “Stories and STEM” and “Read! Lead! Succeed!” made possible with support from Prime Time Palm Beach County, Inc., which receives significant funding from the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, Inc.

The Stories and STEM program brings literature-based science, technology, engineering and math lessons to children in afterschool and summer camp programs. Through hands-on activities, children can make tangible connections between the topic and the text, both fiction and non-fiction. The sessions are developed to excite children about reading and STEM, build on prior knowledge, promote curiosity and help children learn important investigative skills. The children learn that STEM is a way of thinking and exploring the world, not just a collection of facts. Children will also be introduced to famous and lesser-known creative minds who could serve as role models to interest children in STEM careers.

The Read! Lead! Succeed! program provides literacy-based experiences designed to foster leadership, well-being and life skills for youth enrolled in afterschool and summer programs. Lessons encourage and promote literacy through discussion, art and creativity while helping youth learn and develop multiple aspects of well-being, including self-awareness, social awareness, mindfulness and gratitude. Youth will practice and apply acceptance, understanding and compassion as they read about, identify with and discuss diverse experiences through literature. Youth will practice expressing and regulating emotions and reflect on how effective regulation fosters relationships. They will gain experience in expressing one’s point of view, listening to the perspectives of others and resolving conflicts to work together effectively.

“We are grateful for the continued support of Prime Time Palm Beach County, Inc., and the Children’s Services Council,” said Kristin Calder, Literacy Coalition CEO. “We are proud to deliver these innovative and important programs throughout Palm Beach County.”

The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County was founded in 1989 and is a recipient of the coveted four-out-of-four-star Charity Navigator rating for 15 consecutive years. The Literacy Coalition works to improve the quality of life in our community by promoting and achieving literacy. Through extensive outreach and collaboration with a network of community partners, the Literacy Coalition strives to ensure that adults, children and families receive the help they need to improve their literacy skills. Visit LiteracyPBC.org for more details.

Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County is an independent special district established by Palm Beach County voters in 1986 and reauthorized in 2014.  Today, the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County provides leadership, funding, services, and research on behalf of Palm Beach County’s children, so they grow up healthy, safe, and strong.

Prime Time Palm Beach County’s mission is to help children and youth succeed by strengthening and expanding quality in the out-of-school time field.

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