Original Six Foundation

The original six foundation knows the greatest gift you can give a child is to teach him or her to read. Reading is arguably the most important academic skill. That's why my first library is a vital component of the original six foundation's work in schools, supporting children whose families often do not have the resources to properly nurture a proficiency in and love of reading. During the 2023-24 school year, the original six foundation distributed over 32,000 books to more than 3,200 south carolina kindergarten students in 38 public schools. Through my first library, kindergarten students are invited to choose ten high-quality, grade-level summer reading books at an end-of-the-year book fair. The program is distinct from other reading programs in these ways:starting early. Most summer reading programs begin in the 1st grade, while my first library starts the summer before. This creates a bridge that helps negate the "summer slide" which accounts for as much as 85% of the reading achievement gap between lower-income students and their middle and upper-income peers.student's choice. Studies show 92% of kids say they are more likely to finish a book they picked out themselves.greatest need. As a statewide organization, the original six foundation is positioned to identify and invest in areas of greatest need. Best of all, these young readers get to build their own at-home libraries, filled with books of their choosing and a love of reading that will last a lifetime.