This morning, EJI Director Bryan Stevenson joined Montgomery Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Zickeyous M. Byrd to announce the launch of our new “Reading Is Your Superpower” project. EJI is donating more than 11,000 books to provide every first and second grader in MPS with two books of their own to read for the holidays.
“Literacy is the foundation on which hopeful futures are built,” Mr. Stevenson said, noting that the essential skill of reading starts in elementary school. “That’s why we are expanding our work with public education to provide resources to first and second grade students.”
At this morning’s press conference, Dr. Byrd thanked EJI for believing in every child. When families, schools, and community partners all stand together to support students, he said, it sends a powerful message: “You matter, and your future matters.”
“Together, we are not just giving out books,” Dr. Byrd said. “We are planting seeds. Seeds of confidence, joy, and endless possibilities.”
EJI’s “Reading Is Your Superpower” initiative gives each student an opportunity to select two free books from more than 100 titles tailored specifically for first- and second-grade readers. The book list was compiled by our education team in partnership with MPS librarians, teachers, and counselors at each of the 29 participating elementary schools.
This project builds on our multi-year relationship with Montgomery Public Schools.
For three years, we have awarded $10,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from each of Montgomery’s nine public high schools through our Legacy Scholarship program. We now have a hundred Legacy Scholars from MPS enrolled in college, Mr. Stevenson said.
We also teach supplemental courses to high school students who visit our Legacy Sites and offer a highly popular course for MPS staff and teachers.
Every student in first or second grade will get to choose two new books to take home for the holidays.
EJI will continue to support literacy projects among MPS elementary school students throughout the next year.
“These beautiful young children are the hope for the future of this community. We want to stand with them, we want to support them, we want to embrace them, and we want to encourage them,” Mr. Stevenson said.
In closing, he stressed the importance of support for a public school system that provides free, high quality education for all children. “Because that’s what we need—strong, vibrant, and hopeful schools.”