Supporting the 2026 to 2027 Portsmouth Reading Enrichment Program

Help Us Raise $3,000 to Make Reading Take Flight

Seven sessions. Seven Portsmouth schools. Approximately 175 students. Seven drone demonstrations. Seven drone giveaways.

A child may forget a worksheet, but they will remember the day their commitment to reading led them to seeing a drone take flight.

The Okii Dream Initiative, Inc. is partnering with ChainBreakers, Inc. and Communities In Schools of Hampton Roads to connect literacy with aviation technology and STEAM career opportunities during the 2026 through 2027 school year.

Each session will serve approximately 25 students, allowing us to reach approximately 175 young people. Students will participate in four days of reading enrichment. Those who successfully complete the program will receive five free books through REACH, attend a graduation celebration at the Children’s Museum of Virginia, and experience a live drone demonstration. One beginner drone will also be given away during each of the seven sessions.

This is more than a reward. Operating a drone requires students to read instructions, understand safety rules, follow directions, solve problems, and communicate clearly. We want students to see that strong literacy skills can prepare them for opportunities in aviation, coding, engineering, photography, mapping, entrepreneurship, and other STEAM careers.

What Your Donation Supports

Our focused $3,000 goal will help provide seven live drone demonstrations, seven beginner drones for student giveaways, batteries, safety equipment, supplies, transportation, and event setup.

The Okii Dream Initiative has already taught more than 200 young people how to fly drones, and more than 90 percent of the students we serve say it is their first time ever flying one. We have seen firsthand how one experience can introduce a child to technology they may have never imagined themselves having access to.

Schools and Dates

The program will serve Cradock, Douglass Park, Waterview, Westhaven, Lakeview, and Hodges Manor elementary schools, along with Churchland Academy.

Program sessions will take place throughout the 2026 through 2027 school year, with seven reading enrichment sessions and corresponding student celebrations.

The opportunity may be provided to students without cost becoming a barrier, but the drones, demonstrations, transportation and equipment are not free for us to deliver.

Please help us reach our $3,000 goal and show approximately 175 students that when they read, learn, and dream, they can truly fly.

Help the future generation Dream without limits.

The Okii Dream Initiative, Inc. is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Unless otherwise stated, no goods or services are provided in exchange for your donation. Please retain your donation receipt for your records.

Reading Takes Flight: Help Portsmouth Students Soar