I CAN Literacy Program.

The I CAN Literacy Program is a youth anti-violence prevention initiative that connects African American high school student-led groups to early childhood classrooms as literacy tutors and mentors, with an aim to improve the academic and social futures of children of color in Cincinnati. With this initiative, through traditional and non-traditional literacy activities we aim to inspire students to have the confidence to become pioneers in their schools and communities while improving critical academic competencies and developing peace-centered mentalities. In all, the goal is to serve all levels of youth of color from 5-18, while setting our primary goal towards transforming the minds of young children of color to ensure they don't fall into the cycles of conflict that exist in their communities.

Our African American anti-violence youth-led groups Speak Up & Speak Out, SALT (Student Athlete Leadership Team), and the Miami T.E.A.C.h educator program from Aiken High School. Our first official partnership site is between Aiken High School and College Hill Fundamental Academy.

In addition, we plan to develop a literary series of children’s books that displays the stories and realities of Black children in urban communities. This literary series will serve as a guide that draws on the I CAN Literacy Program’s five focus points which include (1) peer-choice, (2) conflict resolution, (3) positive decision-making, (4) impact of positive and negative influence, and (5) importance of education and community. Through these initiatives, we aim to inspire students to have the confidence to become pioneers in their schools and communities, while improving critical academic competencies and developing peace-centered mentalities. Students who are involved in the program and meet their literacy milestones are incentivized with quarterly field trips exposing them to experiences in and beyond their neighborhoods.