Durham’s Book Harvest Earns $250,000 to Expand ‘Books on Break’ Summer Program

Boosting Literacy in North Carolina: Durham Nonprofit Secures Major Grant

Durham, North Carolina – A crucial step towards bolstering literacy among young North Carolinians has been taken.Book Harvest, a local non-profit, has received a meaningful $250,000 grant from the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust. This injection of funding will allow the organization to expand its highly triumphant Books on Break program, ensuring more elementary school students have access to books throughout the summer months.

now in its 12th year, Books on Break has already made a remarkable impact, distributing over 500,000 books to countless students. the program tackles the “summer slide,” a concerning phenomenon where reading skills can regress during school breaks, particularly in children from low-income families.

“The Kenan Trust is dedicated to supporting innovative and impactful educational programs,” said Nancy J. Cable, Executive director of the kenan Charitable Trust. “The Books on Break program embodies thes qualities, and we commend book Harvest’s vision to expand its reach across North Carolina. We are honored to partner in this initiative that will undoubtedly foster student learning and growth during the summer months.”

This generous grant represents a transformative chance for Book Harvest.As rachel Stine,the program’s Senior Director,emphasized,”This grant from the Kenan Charitable trust is a truly invaluable opportunity to scale our proven program during these critical summer months. We will now be able to reach an additional 3,900 students, with a particular focus on those attending Title 1 schools.”

The expanded Books on Break program will involve collaborations with new school districts, enhancements to program implementation, and amplified outreach efforts to raise awareness statewide.During May, the program brings a diverse selection of new books directly to school campuses, empowering students to choose their favorites and take them home for a summer filled with reading adventures.

Durham Leaders Amplify Calls for Stronger Duke-Durham Partnership

A growing chorus of voices in Durham is demanding more from Duke University. As the second-largest employer in north Carolina, wielding a massive $11.6 billion endowment and owning over $4 billion in properties, Duke exerts considerable influence over Durham County, holding a significant 11% stake in its land. though, many residents feel Duke’s contributions and engagement with the community haven’t kept pace with its economic and social power.

A movement called “Duke Respect Durham” has gained momentum, urging the university to take a more active role in addressing the city’s challenges and maximizing its positive impact. Concerns surrounding affordability,resource access,and the overall well-being of Durham residents fuel this call for greater involvement and contributions.

“As the second-largest employer in North Carolina, with a $11.6 billion endowment and over $4 billion in properties, Duke University owns 11 percent of the land in Durham county, but for many durham residents, Duke simply isn’t doing enough,” states a prominent advocate for the movement.

This call for accountability mirrors a broader national conversation about the responsibilities of large institutions in fostering equitable growth and shared prosperity. The “Duke Respect Durham” movement strives to ensure that Duke’s immense resources and influence translate into tangible benefits for all Durham residents, cultivating a more inclusive and thriving community.

Durham Technical Community College (Durham Tech) is making strides toward providing more affordable housing options for its students. Representative Valerie Foushee, D-North Carolina, secured federal funding that will considerably boost the college’s student housing project.

“This federal investment will help make post-secondary education more accessible and affordable for hardworking students from all backgrounds,” said Foushee.

While specifics regarding the funding amount and project timeline haven’t been publicly revealed, this federal investment marks a crucial step forward in Durham Tech’s efforts to combat the rising cost of housing and its impact on student access to education.

Orange County Authorities Crack Home Invasion Murder Case

Recent weeks have delivered a sense of closure to a tragic case in Orange County. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced on Wednesday the arrest of three men in connection with a fatal home invasion that occurred back in March.

Though details surrounding the investigation remain confidential, the arrests represent a significant step toward seeking justice for the victim and their loved ones.

How Does Books on Breaks Focus on Student Choice to Contribute to Reading Success?

Book Harvest, a non-profit dedicated to ensuring all children have access to books, runs a program called Books on Breaks. This initiative reached an extraordinary 12,347 students across 37 schools in five counties in 2024 alone, distributing over 101,000 books. By emphasizing student choice in selecting their own books,Books on Breaks aims to combat a critical challenge: 78% of North Carolina’s children from low-income families struggle to read proficiently by the end of third grade. Summer break frequently enough exacerbates this issue if reading isn’t consistently practiced. Books on Breaks not only provides books to help retain existing skills but also fosters excitement for reading through engaging group activities in classrooms.

To learn more about Book Harvest’s impactful Books on Breaks program,visit the nonprofit’s website.

Books on Break: Battling Summer Slide and Fostering a Love of Reading

In the heart of North Carolina, a powerful initiative is tackling a challenge that threatens countless young minds: summer learning loss. Book Harvest, a Durham-based non-profit, leads the charge with their Books on Break program, aiming to bridge the learning gap and ignite a passion for reading in every child.

“The summer slide is a real phenomenon, especially impacting children from low-income families,” shares Rachel Stine, Senior director of the Books on Break program.”Without consistent exposure to books and educational activities during summer break, they can experience a decline in reading skills.”

Books on Break directly combats this issue by putting the power of choice into the hands of students. The program distributes free books, allowing children to select titles that pique their interests, fostering a love for reading that extends beyond the classroom.

But Books on Break goes beyond simply handing out books.

“We believe reading is more than just decoding words; it’s about fostering a love of learning and a sense of ownership over the learning journey,” explains Stine. “That’s why we incorporate engaging group activities and classroom sessions into our program.”

These interactive experiences transform reading into a fun and engaging adventure, encouraging children to explore new genres and discover the joy of storytelling.

A recent grant from the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust has amplified Books on Break’s impact,enabling the program to reach an additional 3,900 students across North Carolina,particularly those attending Title 1 schools.

Looking ahead, Book Harvest envisions a future where every child in North Carolina has access to the transformative power of books. Stine outlines the organization’s ambitious goals:

“Our biggest goal is to ensure that every child in North Carolina has access to the enriching power of books, nonetheless of their background or zip code. We want to create a state where every child enters school ready to read and succeed. We’ll continue to advocate for increased funding for literacy programs, expand our partnerships with schools and community organizations, and explore innovative ways to engage families in their children’s reading journey.”

With a powerful mission, dedicated team, and unwavering community support, Books on Break is leading the charge to ensure that every young North Carolinian has the opportunity to unlock the boundless world of reading.

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