Programs
Since 1995, Everybody Wins DC has helped children thrive by building connections through reading – and this school year will be no different. We’re just moving from the classroom to the computer!
For SY20-21, EWDC is offering its shared reading programs via virtual platforms. Programs will be offered throughout the day – including after school – so as to provide greater flexibility for families as they navigate distance learning requirements. Program operations and logistics will be managed directly by EWDC staff; students just need a computer, tablet, or phone and they can join in on all the shared reading fun!
Power Readers
For 25 years, EWDC has connected mentors and students to read together for one hour a week. This quality time over a book helps students develop the social-emotional and literacy skills needed to succeed in the classroom and beyond. Formerly known as Power Lunch, this program will now be known as Power Readers, as reading sessions will now take place not just at lunch but throughout the day – including after school.
Sessions will be 100% virtual with all operations and logistics managed by EWDC so that our students and volunteers can simply enjoy their time together, reading books they enjoy.
Students Win By:
Schools Win By:
Volunteers Win By:
Partner Organizations Win By:
StoryTime
StoryTime: Virtual StoryTimes allow groups of volunteers or guests of honor to share books that are relevant to their professional experience with small groups of students. Readers then lead a guided discussion and/or brief, fun activity.
StoryTime allows partner organizations the chance to share their knowledge and make connections with students while building career awareness or information on a specific topic or theme.
The Book Project
The Book Project: The Book Project distributes new books, free of charge, to help children and families build their at-home libraries. In the time of COVID-19, EWDC is continuing these distributions with social-distanced support from community partners who can reach kids where they are – at their homes!
In school year 2019-2020, The Book Project distributed more than 5,000 books to students. Interested in supporting The Book Project? Email: volunteers@everybodywinsdc.org
EWDC's Shared Reading Library, brings read-alouds directly into students’ homes. This set of curated videos features EWDC volunteers and supporters reading books and modeling shared reading discussions, offering a convenient option for families who want additional reading-based activities and supports from a trusted partner. It also provides a critical reading lifeline for many families while schools, libraries, and bookstores remain closed due to the current public health emergency. Videos are available to watch on-demand on YouTube channel.
Contributing to the Shared Reading Library
EWDC provides our volunteer storytellers guidance on selecting books, recording at home, and structuring their read alouds. Mentors and supporters then submit videos of themselves reading children's books aloud. All videos are reviewed by EWDC staff and then posted on our YouTube page each Wednesday!
Email: JGross@everybodywinsdc.org for more information on contributing to the Shared Reading Library.
Pen Pals
Power Lunch is more than just a mentor and student reading together; it is about building a consistent, supportive relationship that sets students up for success. That’s why we want to ensure our students can still lean on and learn from their mentors while they are at home.
When COVID-19 shut down schools in March, EWDC launched Power Lunch Pen Pals to keep reading pairs connected via letters, emails, pictures, and more. Through Pen Pals, students talked about what they are reading, how they are feeling, or whatever else they so choose. Students and mentors were not be able to share a book in person, but were able to maintain a strong connection, something critically important during social distancing.
Participate in Power Lunch Pen Pals
Submissions for Power Lunch Pen Pals are now closed. We would like to give a huge thank you to our mentors, parents, and students for staying in touch in the absence of traditional program.
New Programs: Premiering in 2020
To help meet the emerging needs of children, families, and school communities across the DC area, EWDC is introducing several new shared reading programs in SY20-21. These opportunities and experiences will offer supportive, informative, and fun ways to stay engaged through reading while learning from home:
- Book Clubs: Student Book Clubs will allow small groups of children to meet regularly and discuss great books with EWDC staff and volunteers. This program will provide children with much-needed social interaction with peers and mentors and help them read and explore new stories for fun!
- Family Workshops: EWDC’s Family Workshops will connect parents and guardians with EWDC partners to provide learning opportunities on topics ranging from literacy, child development, financial planning, college and career awareness, and more!
- Student Learning Communities: EWDC’s virtual Student Learning Communities will offer one-time or extended opportunities for students to engage in interesting shared reading experiences! Programs may include “Learn from the Expert” sessions where students explore a topic of interest with the guidance of an expert in the field or small group sessions for students who seek a deeper dive into a story or theme of their choice.
Ways You Can Engage
EWDC will need volunteers for all of these programs! The range of options accommodates for all types of schedules, so there's something for everyone, and plenty of opportunities for your organization to lead a special event for our students and families. We are also happy to discuss your needs and interests over email or give us a call (202) 216-9467.