Morrison Youth Literacy Program

We are honoring the legacy of Myrtle E. Morrison by fostering a love of reading among children in under-resourced neighborhoods in Chicago and supporting struggling readers through engaging incentives. We will visit neighborhoods across Chicago to distribute free books and prizes to children K-12th grade. Our focus is on areas where reading proficiency is significantly below the national average.

Each month, we will award a $50 prize, split between two winners ($25 each), to encourage participation and progress.

2024 Drawing Dates:

October 1st, November 1st, December 1st

Need Books? Visit our events page for book distribution locations.

School Programs: Download Parental Consent Form Here

September Winners

Make a Lasting Impact with The Lingo Lab!

Are you ready to help transform the lives of K-8th grade students through the power of literacy? Join us in The Lingo Lab, an innovative program designed to engage and empower students with project-based tutoring, 1:1 literacy support, educational games, and hands-on activities to boost reading and writing skills.

We offer flexible programming to meet your budget and goals, including:

  • 1:1 Tutoring: Personalized attention to accelerate learning.
  • Literacy Games & Activities: Fun, interactive ways to enhance reading and writing.
  • Comprehensive Materials: Books, writing supplies, and more.
  • Rewards & Prizes: A system that motivates and celebrates student achievements.

Partner with us to create a supportive environment where students thrive and develop a lifelong love of learning. If you're passionate about education and making a real difference, we’d love to collaborate with you—one student, one lesson, one game at a time.

Let’s ignite the power of literacy together!

Learn More

Host a Free Book Giveaway

Chicago Urban Ignite Morrison Youth Literacy Initiative, and we would love to partner with your school or organization to host a Free Book Giveaway Event for K-12th grade students at your location.

Our goal is to inspire young people to develop a love for reading and literacy. During the event, we’ll bring a selection of free books, exciting games, and delicious snacks, with the added incentive of prizes for participants! This is a completely free event, and we’re excited to bring this opportunity to your community.

Event Highlights:

  • Target Audience: K-12th grade students
  • Completely Free: All books, activities, and snacks are provided at no cost.
  • Prizes: Kids will have the chance to win prizes throughout the event, adding an extra layer of excitement and motivation!
  • Duration: The event typically lasts up to 2 hours.
  • Volunteer Staff: A team of dedicated volunteer educators from the City of Chicago will ensure everything runs smoothly.
  • Focus on Literacy: Our goal is to encourage kids to explore new books, develop a love for reading, and boost their literacy skills.

We’d love to collaborate with you to bring this event to your location! If you’re interested, please click the link below to schedule a brief call where we can discuss the details and find a time that works for you:

 

We look forward to the possibility of working together to inspire K-12th grade students and promote literacy in your community.