OUR Mission Statement
Versatile as well as vibrant, Bridge to Literacy is committed to educational equity by delivering asynchronous volunteer-created video lessons in addition to live lessons for our partners in Kenya and China to ensure that every child can have the Bridge to Literacy experience - no matter their Wifi connectivity. Unlike traditional schooling, which forces children to sit through forty minutes of lectures, the Bridge to Literacy education experience dismantles the teacher-student hierarchy, encouraging children to take the reins in their language-learning experiences through lessons that involve physically pointing to objects, walking around the room to learn, not just grammar or vocabulary, but comprehension, public speaking skills, and cross-cultural respect that enables them to flourish not only in academics, but in their personal and professional lives.
About Us
Personalized, Accessible Learning
Personalized, Accessible Learning
Personalized, Accessible Learning
Bridge to Literacy is an international, UNESCO-partnered, U.S Department of State-funded President’s Volunteer Service Award-certified global educational nonprofit that fosters a love of language through literacy for 100+ students from underserved communities in Kenya, Ukraine, Honduras, Israel, China, Palestine, and Guyana. Through a ble
Bridge to Literacy is an international, UNESCO-partnered, U.S Department of State-funded President’s Volunteer Service Award-certified global educational nonprofit that fosters a love of language through literacy for 100+ students from underserved communities in Kenya, Ukraine, Honduras, Israel, China, Palestine, and Guyana. Through a blend of one-on-one, volunteer-led interactive live and pre recorded lessons, we not only expand literacy access, but revitalize the education system, providing under-resourced youth the opportunity to pave a path to brighter futures through education, overcome cyclical poverty, and foster meaningful relationships that transcend borders.
It Starts With a Seed
Personalized, Accessible Learning
Personalized, Accessible Learning
Impact starts with passion, and Bridge to Literacy is no exception. As first-generation Americans, National Spelling Bee competitors, and champion debaters respectively, co-founders Elizabeth Shvarts and Gary Shteyman are committed to spreading literacy to every child, no matter their financial background or geographic location. Please click on this link to learn more about our team.
Diverse Team
Personalized, Accessible Learning
Diverse Team
Of course, our work to spread literacy internationally wouldn't be possible without our diverse, multi-faceted team of volunteers. Bridge to Literacy has 150+ high school students from across the United States in New York, Arizona, Illinois, California, and more, as well as around the world in 17 countries
GRANTS AND AWARDS
We are proud to be funded by the U.S. Department of State via the University of Iowa.
Funding for Bridge to Literacy has been provided by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs via the International Writing Program and the University of Iowa as the implementing partners.
Bridge to Literacy is a proud recipient of the Hershey Heart Warming Action Grant, a monetary award provided by the Hershey Foundation in partnership with the Heart Warming Project to support youth projects that spark connection and create community where they live.
Donate to Bridge to Literacy!
Fund our mission to foster a love of language through literacy one smile, one lesson at a time