Scholars have been challenged to read for 20 minutes each day for 10 days over Winter Break as part of our annual HYPE-A-THON while raising funds to support HYPE's summer reading program. Scholars participating in the Read-A-Thon Reading Challenge will receive an invitation to our second annual LIT and Locked Read-A-Thon "Lock In".

The Lit & Locked is an engaging and immersive event designed to encourage a love for reading among HYPE’s scholars while fostering a sense of community. The event will take place on December 27, 2024 at Journey Conference and Retreat Center.

The Read-A-Thon is a part of this year's end of year giving campaign. Will you support HYPE's 25 for 2025 Campaign: seeking 25 new monthly donors to sustain and expand our programs? As we mark our 25th anniversary, we reflect on a legacy of empowering young minds through literacy and cultural pride.

In today's challenging political climate, our mission is more vital than ever.

Inspired by the Freedom Schools of the Civil Rights Movement, our programs provide safe, affirming spaces where students thrive and families find hope. However, the literacy crisis persists:

Only one-third of American children read at proficient levels.
85% of Black students lack proficiency in reading skills. -NAEP

These statistics underscore the systemic barriers our children face.

HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM: Students who are not reading at grade level by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. High school dropouts are not eligible for 90% of new jobs, which perpetuates the cycle of poverty and limits upward economic mobility.

Give the gift of essential literacy skills and a love for reading!

Your monthly support can contribute to one of the SOLUTIONS FOR OUR Children:

$25 Supports children with incarcerated parents or family members in participating in literacy activities, which can help break generational cycles of incarceration. The National Adult Literacy Survey found that 70% of all incarcerated adults cannot read at a fourth-grade level.

$50 Supports the distribution of culturally-affirming books during HYPE’s six-week summer program.

$75 Supports Book Buddies Mentoring Program, which provides eight weeks of literacy-based mentoring experiences and a book bundle to each participating scholar.

$125 Supports Youth Leadership Development, which pairs leadership training with paid work-based learning experiences for high school scholars enrolled in HYPE.

$200 Supports Literacy on the Lawn, which brings families and community members together in green spaces to enjoy:

Outdoor reading experiences.
Interactive literacy activities.
Engaging learning opportunities.

Thank you for your consideration in helping us develop the next generation of readers and leaders in our community. With your support we can close literacy gaps, inspire a love of reading, and create brighter futures.

HYPE-A-Thon

By HYPE Freedom School, Inc.

HYPE-A-Thon

Lit & Locked Read-A-Thon