Start Lighthouse
Advancing childhood literacy through a social justice lens
Our Vision
A world in which there are high-quality, equitable, and inclusive literacy programs for our most vulnerable students.
Our Story
Start Lighthouse was established in the early months of the pandemic to address issues of access to books and literacy education in NYC that were only heightened by the closure of schools in 2020. Today, Start Lighthouse has grown to address the gap in childhood literacy through a three-prong approach of literacy hubs, author workshops, and book distribution to advance literacy education among vulnerable students in New York City.
Our Approach
Daily Literacy Programming
We bring back life to neglected school libraries, staff them, and keep the literacy programs running daily. Our hubs offer students a safe and revitalized space to boost their literacy skills. With an interdisciplinary approach that includes music, videos, art, movement, and interactive learning, we make sure students have a fun and enriching experience with literature and content.
In-Person Author Workshops
We collaborate with renowned BIPOC authors and illustrators to facilitate immersive workshops within our Literacy Hubs. These unique experiences provide our students with the opportunity to forge profound connections with stories and gain a deeper understanding through direct interactions with the authors.
Home Libraries
We provide students with free multicultural books that they can keep in their home libraries. Our goal is to eliminate the financial barrier to book ownership for our students and their families. Having a sense of book ownership is an important aspect of developing literacy skills and a love of reading.
